Uganda has once again refuted United Nations accusations of backing the M23 rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) after the Ugandan charge d’affaires was summoned by Congolese officials over the matter.

The M23 group has controlled significant areas in North Kivu province since late 2021, with a recent UN Security Council report alleging “active support” from Ugandan military and intelligence officials for the rebels.

On Friday, Uganda’s charge d’affaires, Matata Twaha Magara, firmly denied any involvement in supporting M23 during a meeting with Congolese Deputy Foreign Minister Gracia Yamba Kazadi.

“Our stance is clear: within the East African community, we must collaborate to eliminate all negative forces causing disruptions,” Magara asserted. He highlighted the ongoing joint operation by Congolese and Ugandan troops in eastern DRC against the ADF rebels, a group affiliated with the Islamic State, which has terrorized the region for decades.

Magara explained that Kazadi had summoned him to discuss bilateral relations and sought clarification on recent developments. “I reassured her that our bilateral relations remain strong,” he said, adding that Uganda was “waiting for the official communication from the UN office” to formally address the allegations.

“The UN should first present the report to the concerned countries for a response,” Magara insisted.

The UN report, released on July 8, claims to have confirmed “active support” for M23 from Ugandan intelligence officials. It also alleges that 3,000 to 4,000 Rwandan soldiers have been fighting alongside M23 rebels in the mineral-rich eastern DRC, a claim Rwanda denies. The report states that Kigali has “de facto control” over the group’s operations.

Furthermore, the report asserts that certain officials from the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) and the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence provided support to M23.

In response, Uganda’s deputy defence spokesperson, Deo Akiiki, dismissed the allegations as “laughable, baseless, and illogical.”