Ugandan President Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on Friday hosted Gen. Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo (“Hemedti”), leader of Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF), at State House Entebbe, where he stressed that the ongoing conflict in Sudan can only be resolved through inclusive political dialogue.

The meeting comes nearly three years into Sudan’s devastating civil war, which erupted on April 15, 2023, in Khartoum following a power struggle between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), commanded by Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the paramilitary RSF under Hemedti.

Fighting has since spread nationwide, triggering one of the world’s worst displacement crises.

More than 12 million people have been forcibly displaced, including millions internally displaced within Sudan and nearly 4 million who have fled as refugees to neighbouring countries such as Chad, South Sudan, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the Central African Republic.

Museveni, reflecting on past engagements, recalled advising former Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir against “politics of identity” in favour of “politics of interest.”

“Identity politics is poisonous. It does not yield good results. What is important are shared interests that unite people,” Museveni said.

He urged both warring parties to negotiate rather than continue fighting.

Gen. Dagalo thanked Museveni for his hospitality, describing him as “a wise man of Africa.”

“Your [election] victory is not only a gain for Ugandans but for the whole continent,” Dagalo stated.

“We truly believe in your principles and your commitment to peace.”

The RSF leader acknowledged Sudan’s deepening humanitarian and institutional crises and expressed willingness to pursue a peaceful resolution.

He also voiced interest in strengthening bilateral ties with Uganda in trade, education, and regional integration.

Henry Okello Oryem, Uganda’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, underscored the regional stakes.

“Sudan’s stability is important for the entire region,” Oryem said.

“What happens in Khartoum does not stay in Khartoum.”

Allegations have previously surfaced that Uganda served as a transit route for weapons and supplies to the RSF, including claims in late 2023 that the United Arab Emirates funnelled military aid through Uganda, Chad, and the Central African Republic.

Ugandan authorities have firmly rejected the accusations as “nonsense” and “absolute rubbish.”

Uganda maintains that its engagement with RSF leadership—including high-level meetings hosted by President Museveni—is part of a diplomatic push to facilitate inclusive dialogue and secure a sustainable ceasefire.

“The solution will not come from the battlefield alone,” Museveni reiterated.

“We must prioritize peace over military confrontation.”

Despite repeated mediation efforts by regional and international actors, fighting continues with both sides increasingly deploying drones, prolonging the humanitarian catastrophe in Sudan.