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Why Did President Museveni Host Gen. Dagalo? — By David Serumaga

Ssemaganda Moses Hope
By Ssemaganda Moses Hope


Why Did President Museveni Host Gen. Dagalo? — By David Serumaga
Why Did President Museveni Host Gen. Dagalo? — By David Serumaga

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On Friday, 20th February 2026, the President of the Republic of Uganda, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, hosted General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, Commander of Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF), at State House Entebbe.


 

The question has since arisen: why would Uganda’s Head of State engage one of the principal actors in Sudan’s ongoing conflict?


 

The context is a formal mandate from the African Union (AU). During its 1308th emergency session, the AU Peace and Security Council directed President Museveni to facilitate dialogue between Sudan’s warring factions — the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) — as part of renewed continental efforts to end the conflict.


 

Since 2023, Sudan has been engulfed in a war that has claimed more than 24,000 lives and displaced millions. Families have been torn apart, essential services disrupted, and humanitarian access severely limited. The urgency of mediation cannot be overstated.


 

President Museveni’s engagement with General Dagalo is therefore situated within the principle of African-led solutions to African challenges. Mediation requires dialogue with all key parties to the conflict. Engagement does not equate to endorsement; rather, it represents a structured diplomatic effort aimed at securing an unconditional ceasefire, opening humanitarian corridors, and laying groundwork for an inclusive political process.


 

The AU mandate expects President Museveni to encourage de-escalation and promote a national dialogue framework that prevents fragmentation and competing centres of authority. Sustainable peace in Sudan will depend on inclusivity, institutional stability, and prioritisation of the welfare of ordinary citizens affected by war.


 

Uganda’s prior contributions to regional peace and security initiatives in South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Somalia have shaped the confidence placed in President Museveni at this critical moment.


 

For millions of Sudanese civilians displaced by violence, the priority remains clear: silence the guns, restore stability, and create space for recovery and reconciliation. The meeting at State House Entebbe should be understood within that continental responsibility.


 


 


 

About the Author

David Serumaga works with the Uganda Media Centre and is a student of Law with a focus on governance, regional diplomacy, and strategic public affairs communication.


 


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