KASESE, UGANDA – The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) have repatriated five soldiers of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) who crossed into Uganda following intense fighting in Eastern DRC.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The handover ceremony was conducted at the Uganda-DRC Mpwondwe border post and was presided over by senior military officials from both nations, underscoring the collaborative security efforts in the region.
The soldiers were identified as Sergeant Kabangu Nsingi Jeancy (33), Corporal Bloende Botelu Enoch (35), Private Nkonyi Ngumu Mbuya (26), Private Musungu Malu Beni (22), and Private Bakomba Mupepe Exauce (20). They had fled the city of Goma amidst escalating conflict.
They were later intercepted by Ugandan security personnel in the Mukongolo area before being transferred to Bunagana Police for standard screening procedures.
Since their arrival in July 2025, the UPDF hosted the group in accordance with International Humanitarian Law and the principle of humane treatment for foreign military personnel.
At the handover, the Commander of the UPDF Mountain Division, Major General Stephen Mugerwa, emphasized the continued close cooperation between the UPDF and FARDC.
“The seamless handover of these soldiers is a testament to a partnership that extends far beyond a single event. The UPDF and FARDC are not just neighbors; we are reliable partners, deeply invested in a long-term, strategic alliance dedicated to securing and maintaining lasting peace and stability for our shared region,” Maj Gen Mugerwa stated.
Maj Gen Mugerwa further highlighted that the repatriation exercise reflected Uganda’s deep-seated Pan-African spirit and commitment to regional solidarity.
He noted that the action was consistent with the cooperation frameworks established under the East African Community and wider continental arrangements.
Receiving the soldiers on behalf of the DRC government, Major General Everiste Somo Kakule, the Military Governor for North Kivu, expressed his appreciation for Uganda’s handling of the situation.
He applauded the UPDF leadership for the care accorded to the FARDC soldiers during their stay in Uganda and commended the cordial relations between the two military forces.
The event was also attended by Brig Gen Mugisa Muleka Joseph, the FARDC Sector Commander for the Northern Frontier, as well as immigration officers from both nations.
Major Kiconco Tabaro of the UPDF 2nd Infantry Division confirmed that all five soldiers, while in Uganda, remained in good health, did not apply for asylum, and voluntarily chose to return to their home country.
Tabaro added that the handover served as a platform for military leaders to reaffirm the strategic partnership between the two neighboring countries.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has been plagued by violence, particularly in the eastern regions, where armed groups like the M23 have been causing havoc.
The fighting has forced over 7 million people from their homes, a crisis compounded by rampant human rights abuses such as sexual violence, killings, and child soldier recruitment.
In response to the crisis, the DRC government and the M23 rebels signed a peace framework agreement in Qatar on November 15, 2025, aimed at ending the fighting.
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