Uganda’s Vice President Jessica Alupo briefly became the center of attention during the signing of the Rwanda–Congo Peace Accord in Washington after US President Donald Trump openly admired her bright and elegant outfit, drawing laughter and smiles from delegates.
Alupo, who represented President Yoweri Museveni at the high-level summit, arrived in the United States aboard the presidential jet to join regional leaders as an observer to the historic agreement aimed at ending long-running tensions between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Before the formal session began, Trump paused the room with a light-hearted remark after spotting the Ugandan vice president. He praised her colourful attire, contrasting it with the sea of dark suits worn by most officials. His comment quickly turned the spotlight her way and became one of the summit’s most memorable moments.
Beyond the lighter exchanges, Alupo delivered President Museveni’s written message to the assembled diplomats. The statement emphasized the need for firm political discipline, long-term regional cooperation, and unity in the face of recurring conflict in eastern DR Congo. Museveni commended the leaders of Rwanda, DR Congo, the M23 movement, and the United States for reaching what he considered a major step toward lasting peace.
He urged regional actors to resist groups that benefit from instability and warned against relying on armed confrontation when dialogue is possible. Museveni also reminded leaders of Uganda’s own historical struggle against ethnic and religious divisions, noting that today’s governance principles aim at patriotism, Pan-African unity, socio-economic progress, and democracy.
While welcoming the breakthrough on the M23 issue, he highlighted remaining insecurity in Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu. He noted that Uganda continues to shelter more than 642,000 Congolese refugees, stressing the need for a comprehensive peace plan that will allow displaced families to return home safely.
On the sidelines of the ceremony, Alupo held private discussions with diplomats and regional representatives, reaffirming Uganda’s readiness to support the full implementation of the newly signed accord.
The agreement, celebrated as a rare moment of harmony between Washington, Kigali, and Kinshasa, is expected to open a new chapter for stability and cooperation across Central and Eastern Africa.