Uganda Vows to Resist DRC’s Wetland Evictions, Says Rubanda West MP Rubanda West Member of Parliament, Hon. Denis Sabiiti, has declared that Uganda will vehemently oppose any attempts by the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to evict Ugandans from disputed wetland areas along the two countries’ border. “We will not tolerate any forceful evictions of our people,” Sabiiti said in a statement. “The wetlands belong to Uganda, and we will not hesitate to fight for our rights.” The statement comes in response to reports that the DRC government has issued an ultimatum to Ugandans residing in the disputed wetlands to vacate by June 9th, 2023. The wetlands are located in the border towns of Bunagana and Kisoro, and have been a source of tension between the two countries for decades. Ugandans have argued that they have been using the wetland areas for agriculture and livestock grazing for generations. They claim that the DRC authorities are attempting to exploit the resource-rich areas, which they see as outside their jurisdiction. Sabiiti called on the Ugandan government to engage with the DRC authorities and find an amicable solution to the dispute through diplomatic channels. However, he warned that Uganda was prepared to take military action if necessary. “We do not want war, but we will not be oppressed,” Sabiiti said. “If the DRC government insists on using force, we will be ready to defend our territory with all our might.” The Ugandan government has condemned the DRC’s eviction ultimatum as “illegal and unjust.” The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has summoned the DRC ambassador to Uganda to express its disapproval. The dispute over the wetland areas is not new. In 2013, the two countries signed an agreement to resolve the issue through peaceful negotiations. However, the agreement has not been implemented, and tensions have continued to simmer. The situation has become more tense in recent months, as the DRC government has accused Uganda of arming and supporting a rebel group operating in the Eastern Congo region. Uganda has denied these allegations. Analysts warn that the dispute could escalate into a serious diplomatic crisis if not handled carefully. They urge both countries to prioritize dialogue and find a mutually acceptable solution that respects the rights of all parties involved.Ugandan Legislator Vows Resistance Against DRC’s Wetland Evictions Rubanda West Member of Parliament Hon. Denis Sabiti has vowed to mobilize Ugandans to resist any attempt to evict them from wetlands in the border region shared with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The Legislator’s statement follows reports that the DRC government has issued an ultimatum to Ugandans occupying the wetlands in Kisoro, Rukungiri, and Kanungu districts to vacate the area or face eviction. Sabiti condemned the DRC’s actions, calling them “unacceptable and provocative.” He emphasized that the wetlands are an essential resource for Ugandan communities, providing water, grazing land, and other livelihood support. “We will not allow anyone, including the DRC government, to displace our people from their ancestral lands,” Sabiti declared. “We are ready to fight to protect our territory and our livelihoods.” Sabiti urged the Ugandan government to take diplomatic measures to address the issue with the DRC and ensure that the rights of Ugandans are upheld. He also called on local communities to remain vigilant and report any attempts at forced evictions. “We must stand together and resist any aggression against our people and our nation,” Sabiti concluded. The dispute over the wetlands stems from a historical boundary dispute between Uganda and the DRC. Both sides have accused each other of encroaching on the other’s territory. The latest developments have raised tensions between the two countries, and there are concerns that the situation could escalate into further conflict.