Uganda Airlines has announced the immediate suspension of its flights to Kinshasa due to escalating unrest in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The move follows the sporadic outbreak of riots in Kinshasa leading to the looting and partial burning of Uganda’s embassy.
The rioters accused Uganda of supporting the Rwandan-backed M23 rebels, a claim Uganda has denied vehemently.
“The suspension has become necessary as a result of the ongoing unrest in the Democratic Republic of Congo, including in the capital Kinshasa,” Uganda Airlines said in a statement issued on January 28, 2025.
“Flights will remain suspended until the situation warrants normal operations.”
The embassy attack and flight suspension coincide with worsening violence in eastern DRC, where M23 rebels have captured key areas, including Goma.
The conflict has displaced more than 400,000 people since the beginning of 2025, according to the United Nations.
Uganda Airlines operates three weekly flights to Kinshasa, a key route established to boost connectivity between the two nations.
The airline’s decision to halt flights reflects the growing instability in the DRC, where violence continues to disrupt trade and travel.
Economic Ties Under Threat
Uganda and the DRC share significant trade ties, with Uganda being one of the DRC’s largest trading partners in the East African region.
In 2024, bilateral trade between the two countries was valued at over $600 million, driven by Uganda’s exports of agricultural products, construction materials, and petroleum.
In addition to trade, Uganda has made substantial investments in the DRC, including a $300 million road construction project to improve cross-border connectivity and enhance trade routes.
These investments are now at risk as anti-Uganda sentiment grows in the DRC, threatening both diplomatic relations and economic cooperation.
The suspension of Uganda Airlines flights further complicates these ties, disrupting trade and travel for businesses and individuals who rely on the route.
Embassy Attack
The looting of Uganda’s embassy in Kinshasa earlier this Tuesday underscores the heightened tensions. Rioters were seen vandalizing vehicles, carrying furniture from the embassy, and setting parts of the building on fire. The attack has drawn widespread condemnation, with Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expected to issue an official statement soon.
Parliament Demands Answers
The unrest in Kinshasa has sparked debate in Uganda’s parliament. Kira Municipality MP, Hon. Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda, questioned the government’s substantial investments in the DRC, asking whether such initiatives remain viable given the political and security challenges.
Leader of Opposition Hon. Joel Ssenyonyi called for urgent action to protect Ugandan citizens trapped in the DRC.
“The government needs to update us on our borders and the Ugandans held in the DRC given the conflict there,” he said during today’s parliamentary session.
Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa assured lawmakers that the Minister of Foreign Affairs would provide a detailed update on the situation tomorrow, including measures to protect Ugandan citizens and assets in the DRC.
The conflict has displaced more than 400,000 people since the beginning of 2025, according to the United Nations, and has deepened tensions between the DRC, Rwanda, and Uganda.