Uganda Airlines has suspended its flights to Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), following a wave of violent protests that saw several embassies—including Uganda’s—attacked, looted, and even set ablaze.
The decision comes in response to escalating unrest triggered by mass demonstrations against the worsening crisis in Goma, the capital of North Kivu province in eastern DRC. The city recently fell under the control of M23 rebels, sparking outrage among protesters who accuse Uganda of supporting the armed group—an allegation Uganda has strongly denied.
“In light of the ongoing unrest in the Democratic Republic of Congo, including in the capital Kinshasa, Uganda Airlines has found it necessary to suspend flights until conditions allow for normal operations,” the airline said in a statement released Tuesday.
Uganda Airlines currently operates three flights per week to Kinshasa, a crucial route aimed at enhancing connectivity between the two nations. However, with tensions rising and security concerns mounting, the airline has opted to halt operations indefinitely.
The attack on Uganda’s embassy and the subsequent flight suspension come amid intensifying violence in eastern DRC, where M23 rebels continue to seize strategic areas, including Goma. The conflict has displaced over 400,000 people since the beginning of 2025, according to the United Nations.
As the situation unfolds, regional leaders and international organizations are calling for urgent measures to restore stability and address the growing humanitarian crisis.
