Museveni: The Bush Fighter Who Shaped Regional Peace from Congo to Sudan

Harto Agathon

Contributor, Crown Media East Africa

 

Museveni: The Bush Fighter Who Shaped Regional Peace from Congo to Sudan

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni of Uganda has long been a figure synonymous with peace and stability in East and Central Africa. His decades in power have given him an enduring legacy, not only within Uganda but across a volatile region that stretches from the war-torn jungles of Congo to the conflict-ridden deserts of Sudan. This reputation was recently highlighted by former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson in a memoir, where he described Museveni as "that ancient bush fighter who is so important for the peace of the region."

Johnson's remark is not only a reflection of Museveni's historical role as a freedom fighter but a recognition of his continued significance in the geopolitical stability of East Africa. While many view Museveni primarily through the lens of Uganda’s internal politics, his influence on regional security has been profound and far-reaching, especially in a part of the world where peace is often precarious.

The Congo Question: Chasing Stability

One of the most immediate arenas where Museveni’s leadership has been felt is the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a country whose eastern provinces have become a battleground for various armed groups. For decades, Congo has grappled with insurgencies, with groups like the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) posing significant threats to regional peace. The ADF, known for its links to Islamist extremism, has carried out brutal attacks in both the Congo and Uganda, compelling Uganda to take a direct role in tackling the group.

Museveni’s military interventions in Congo have been aimed at neutralizing the ADF and restoring stability to the region. In coordination with the Congolese government, Uganda's People's Defence Force (UPDF) has launched cross-border operations to target rebel hideouts. While these military actions have been criticized in some circles for infringing on Congolese sovereignty, Museveni has consistently justified them as necessary for Uganda’s national security. His argument is clear: if instability in Congo is left unchecked, it inevitably spills over into Uganda and destabilizes the entire Great Lakes region.

Museveni’s peacekeeping ambitions in Congo are not limited to military action. Uganda has also played a key role in mediating between factions in the conflict-ridden nation, pushing for disarmament and reintegration processes. This diplomatic approach has made Museveni a vital player in the wider regional effort to bring long-term peace to Congo, a nation whose vast mineral wealth and strategic location make it a focal point for both local and international interests.

South Sudan: A Fragile Neighbor

South Sudan, Africa’s youngest nation, has also been a significant area of focus for Museveni. The country plunged into civil war just two years after gaining independence in 2011, and Uganda’s involvement in the conflict has been both strategic and humanitarian. Uganda has been home to hundreds of thousands of South Sudanese refugees fleeing the brutal war between forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and those backing former Vice President Riek Machar.

Uganda's military was deployed early in the conflict to support Kiir’s government, a move seen by many as controversial. Museveni’s support for Kiir was based on a long-standing relationship, but it was also a pragmatic decision to prevent South Sudan’s collapse, which could have had dire consequences for Uganda and the entire region. Museveni's military backing helped Kiir’s forces maintain power at crucial points in the conflict, and Uganda has since been involved in mediation efforts to broker peace agreements between the warring factions.

While the South Sudan conflict continues to simmer, Museveni's involvement has been a key stabilizing factor, preventing a total disintegration of the young state. His ability to wield influence in such fragile political environments underscores his regional importance, even as some of his tactics are questioned by international observers.

Museveni’s Legacy of Peace through Strength

President Museveni's approach to regional security is deeply rooted in his own history as a freedom fighter. Rising to power after leading the National Resistance Army (NRA) in a guerrilla war that ousted the brutal dictatorship of Milton Obote in the mid-1980s, Museveni has never been one to shy away from military solutions when diplomacy fails. However, his use of military force is often complemented by a strategic understanding of when to negotiate and broker peace.

In 2006, for example, Museveni's government engaged in peace talks with Joseph Kony’s Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), a rebel group that had terrorized northern Uganda for decades. While the talks ultimately failed, Uganda’s military pressure, combined with international efforts, helped weaken the LRA to the point where its operations in Uganda were significantly diminished. Museveni’s handling of the LRA set a precedent for how he would deal with other regional threats: through a combination of force and dialogue.

Criticisms and Controversies

While Museveni's role in regional peace is widely acknowledged, his methods and extended rule have sparked significant controversy. Domestically, his long tenure in office—since 1986—has been a source of increasing tension, with critics accusing him of eroding democratic institutions in Uganda. His government’s crackdown on political opposition and civil liberties has drawn criticism from both local and international observers.

However, on the regional stage, Museveni’s critics often find themselves at a crossroads. While many object to his internal governance style, they simultaneously acknowledge that his leadership has contributed to preventing greater chaos in one of Africa’s most fragile regions. This paradox—of a leader criticized at home but respected for his regional influence—defines much of the discourse around Museveni’s legacy.

Museveni’s Regional Endgame

The question of Museveni’s eventual departure from the political scene looms large, not only for Uganda but for the entire region. As Johnson's memoir highlights, Museveni’s role as the "bush fighter" who evolved into a statesman of regional peace is irreplaceable in the current East African geopolitical landscape. His absence could create a power vacuum in Uganda, with potential ripple effects across the region, especially in volatile areas like South Sudan and Congo.

It remains to be seen how Museveni will shape his legacy in the coming years. As regional conflicts continue to evolve, his ability to navigate complex political and military landscapes will likely remain crucial for the foreseeable future. For now, Museveni’s impact on regional stability is unquestionable, and figures like Boris Johnson are right to recognize the vital role he continues to play in maintaining peace across East and Central Africa.

 Harto Agathon

Contributor, Crown Media East Africa