The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces, working with the Regional Immigration Office in Mbarara, has handed over five Congolese soldiers to the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC). The handover took place at Kasindi, Lhubiriha, along the Uganda–DRC border at Mpondwe.
The FARDC 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 fled Goma in eastern DRC after heavy fighting and crossed into Uganda. Ugandan security intercepted them in Mukongolo and later took them to Buhoma Police for screening.
The UPDF has hosted the group since July 2025 under International Humanitarian Law, which requires humane treatment of foreign soldiers who enter another state. All five did not ask for asylum and chose to return home.
During 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 said the exercise shows Uganda’s Pan-African spirit and commitment to regional solidarity through the East African Community and wider continental frameworks.
Uganda completed all legal and administrative steps to ensure the safe and orderly return of the soldiers.
Representing the DRC, Maj Gen Everiste Somo Kakule, the Military Governor of North Kivu, thanked the UPDF for the care given to the soldiers and praised the good relations between the two armies.
Those present included Brig Gen Mugisa Muleka Joseph, the FARDC Sector Commander for the Northern Frontier, and immigration officials from both countries.
