Five soldiers from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have been handed back to the FARDC by the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) in coordination with the Regional Immigration Office in Mbarara.
The handover took place at Kasindi, Lhubiriha, along the Uganda–DRC border at Mpondwe.
The soldiers—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—had fled Goma in Eastern DRC following intensified fighting. After entering Uganda, they were intercepted in Mukongolo and later transferred to Buhoma Police for screening.
UPDF had hosted the soldiers since July 2025 in line with International Humanitarian Law and regional protocols requiring humane treatment of foreign military personnel who enter another country. None of the soldiers sought asylum, and all opted to return home voluntarily.
Maj Gen Stephen Mugerwa, Commander of the UPDF Mountain Division, said the handover underscores 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 noted.
He added that the exercise reflects Uganda’s Pan-African spirit and its commitment to regional solidarity under frameworks established by the East African Community and other continental arrangements.
All necessary legal and administrative procedures were followed to ensure the safe and orderly repatriation of the soldiers.
Maj Gen Everiste Somo Kakule, Military Governor of North Kivu, thanked Uganda for the care extended to the soldiers during their stay. The handover was also witnessed by Brig Gen Mugisa Muleka Joseph, FARDC Sector Commander for the Northern Frontier, alongside immigration officials from both countries.
The operation highlights ongoing efforts by UPDF and FARDC to strengthen border security and promote peace in the region.
