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[QUOTE="Nehanda, post: 23919, member: 2262"]
KAMPALA, Uganda - Uganda denied claims it backs M23 rebels after protesters attacked its embassy in Congo's capital this week.

M23 forces took control of Goma, eastern Congo's largest city, on Tuesday. The rebel victory sparked riots in Kinshasa, where crowds damaged embassies of Uganda, Rwanda, France, and Belgium.

"Uganda has no ties to armed groups in Congo," Foreign Affairs Minister John Mulimba told Parliament Wednesday. He said Congo's government promised to protect Uganda's diplomatic staff.

The Ugandan embassy remains open but lacks a top diplomat. A deputy ambassador leads the mission as Uganda awaits approval for its new ambassador to Congo.

"Our staff continues to work despite these challenges," Mulimba said, responding to concerns from opposition leader Joel Ssenyonyi about diplomatic gaps.

Uganda Airlines stopped flights to Kinshasa because of the unrest. The airline did not say when service might resume.

Mulimba urged a peaceful end to Congo's conflict. "Military action alone cannot solve these problems," he said. His office plans new ways to help Ugandans living in Congo.

The minister's statement aimed to calm tensions after protesters blamed several countries for supporting M23. The rebels, which Rwanda backs, control large areas of eastern Congo.

The attack left Uganda managing a diplomatic crisis without a full ambassador in Kinshasa. Officials said they maintain contact through the deputy ambassador and other staff.
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