The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), working with the Regional Immigration Office in Mbarara, has handed over five soldiers of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) to Congolese authorities at the Uganda–DRC border at Kasindi–Lhubiriha, Mpwondwe.
According to Maj Kiconco Tabaro, the UPDF 2nd Infantry Division Public Information, the soldiers include Sgt Kabangu Nsingi Jeancy, 33, Cpl Bloende Botelu Enoch, 35, Pte Nkonyi Ngumu Mbuya, 26, Pte Musungu Malu Beni, 22 and Pte Bakomba Mupepe Exauce, 20.
They reportedly fled the city of Goma in Eastern DRC following intensified fighting and later crossed toward the Ugandan border. Security personnel intercepted them in the Mukongolo area before transferring them to Buhoma Police for screening.
Since July 2025, the UPDF has hosted the soldiers in accordance with International Humanitarian Law and regional norms governing the treatment of foreign military personnel who enter another state. All five remained in good health, did not seek asylum and voluntarily opted to return home.
Presiding over the handover, the Commander of the UPDF Mountain Division, Maj Gen Stephen Mugerwa, reaffirmed the strong cooperation between Uganda and the DRC.
“UPDF and FARDC continue to work closely as reliable partners in maintaining peace and stability across the region,” he said.
Maj Gen Mugerwa added that the exercise reflects Uganda’s Pan-African spirit and commitment to regional solidarity, in line with cooperation frameworks under the East African Community and wider continental arrangements.
He further noted that all necessary legal and administrative procedures were followed to ensure the safe and orderly repatriation of the soldiers.
Representing the Government of the DRC, H.E. Maj Gen Everiste Somo Kakule, the Military Governor of North Kivu, applauded the UPDF leadership for the care accorded to FARDC soldiers while in Uganda and commended the cordial relations between the two forces.
Those present included Brig Gen Mugisa Muleka Joseph, FARDC Sector Commander for the Northern Frontier, as well as immigration officers from Uganda and the DRC, among others.
The Source Reports.
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