Summary:
- Lt. Col. Jacob Apunia confirmed that 98 police officers, 2 civilians (including one disabled person), 13 mothers, and 27 children are indeed Congolese nationals.
KANUNGU: On August 12, 2024, Lt. Col. Jacob Apunia of the FARDC (Congolese National Army) verified the authenticity of National Congolese Police officers who fled to Uganda after M23 took control of border areas with the DRC.
The verification exercise occurred at the Ishasha border post in Kanungu district.
The exercise was witnessed by the 2nd Infantry Division Commander, Brig. Gen. Paul Muhanguzi; Kanungu Resident District Commissioner, Mr. Ambrose; Kanungu District Police Commander, SSP Kutosi; Ishasha Immigration officers; and members of the district security committee.
This verification is part of a broader process by the Congolese National Army, preceding the transfer of these Congolese police officers through a safe passage to be facilitated by the Ugandan government in the near future.
Lt. Col. Jacob Apunia confirmed that 98 police officers, 2 civilians (including one disabled person), 13 mothers, and 27 children are indeed Congolese nationals. He expressed gratitude to the Ugandan government for the generosity consistently shown to fleeing Congolese nationals.
“We thank the Government of Uganda, the UPDF, and the Ugandan people for treating us in a brotherly and sisterly manner as we combat the insecurity imposed on Congolese nationals by armed groups in Eastern DRC,” said Lt. Col. Jacob Apunia, speaking in Lingala, the Congolese native language.
The Congolese officials who sought refuge in Uganda are safe and well, with their treatment in Uganda reflecting the cordial relations between the governments of Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
“My visit here is to witness the verification conducted by FARDC Officer Col. Jacob, who has come to confirm that these individuals are indeed Congolese officers, along with their wives and children, all of whom are under our protection and care after fleeing into Uganda,” stated Gen. Muhanguzi.
He also expressed gratitude to the police, immigration officers, and UPDF personnel for their care of the Congolese officers and their families.
“The next step is to coordinate with our strategic leadership to organize and facilitate their safe passage through Uganda back to their home country,” he added.
Gen. Muhanguzi also commended the Kanungu RDC and his team for their support and collaboration with district security stakeholders.
In collaboration with Ugandan security officials, Col. Jacob verified the equipment brought by the fleeing officers, which included 41 rifles, 55 fully loaded magazines, 10 empty magazines, 2 helmets, and other minor assorted items.
Maj. Kiconco Tabaro, the UPDF 2nd Infantry Division Public Information Officer, mentioned that the Congolese policemen are expected to depart at any time soon.
