Uganda-DRC Joint Military Offensive Persists in the Region Despite Rising Ebola Concerns

Uganda-DRC Joint Military Offensive Persists Despite Rising Ebola Concerns in the Region

KAMPALA — The Ugandan military has reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining joint combat operations with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) against the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF). This decision comes amid an active Ebola outbreak in eastern DRC, raising concerns over how the health crisis impacts security maneuvers in the region.

Security Takes Precedence Amid Armed Violence

According to Chris Magezi, the acting spokesperson for the Uganda Peoples' Defence Forces (UPDF), there are no plans to suspend the cross-border military campaign. He emphasized that halting operations is currently untenable as ADF rebels continue to perpetrate killings and abductions against civilian populations in eastern DRC.

"The UPDF will continue operations against ADF remnants while observing Ebola prevention measures and maintaining Ebola SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures)," Magezi stated.

The joint security initiative between Ugandan and Congolese forces dates back to November 2021, launched as a coordinated effort to neutralize the rebel threat along their shared borders.

Healthcare vs. Warfare: The Humanitarian Dilemma

The military's stance follows an appeal made on May 28, 2026, by World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. The WHO chief urged all active armed groups in eastern DRC to implement a ceasefire. The requested truce aims to grant medical teams safe passage to infected communities to curb the spread of the virus.

Arriving in the DRC, Ghebreyesus characterized the outbreak as "very complex." He highlighted a challenging combination of factors hindering containment efforts, including:

• Persistent insecurity and active conflict 

• Mass displacement of local populations

• Severe food shortages

• Deep-seated community mistrust toward external interventions

The ongoing situation highlights the complex challenge facing East and Central African authorities, who must balance urgent regional health interventions with critical counter-insurgency operations.