UPDF hands over five captured Congolese soldiers to DRC army

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The Uganda Peoples' Defence Force, working with the Regional Immigration Office in Mbarara, has handed over five Congolese soldiers to the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC).

Maj. Gen. Everste Somo Kakule, the Military Governor for North Kivu and his counterpart, Maj. Gen. Stephen Mugerwa, the Commander of the UPDF Mountain Division, presided over the handover ceremony, which took place on Monday at Hotel Kasindi Lhubiriha at the Uganda - DRC Mpwondwe border. Several UPDF and FARDC  officers, plus immigration teams from both countries, witnessed the ceremonies.

The soldiers returned to DRC are: Sergeant Kabangu Nsingi Jeancy and three   Corporals, namely: Bloende Botelu Enoch, Nkonyi Ngumu Mbuya, Musungu Malu Beni, plus Bakomba Mupepe Exauce.

(Courtesy)

(Courtesy)

(Courtesy)

The group fled the city of Goma in Eastern DRC following intensified fighting and later crossed toward the Ugandan border.

It's reported that security personnel intercepted them in the Mukongolo area before transferring them to Buhoma Police for screening.

UPDF has hosted the group since July 2025 in accordance with International Humanitarian Law, including the principle of humane treatment for foreign military personnel who enter another state, and regional norms that guide such situations. All five remained in good health, did not apply for asylum and voluntarily chose to return home.

During the handover, the Commander of the UPDF Mountain Division, Maj. Gen. Stephen Mugerwa reaffirmed the strong and steady cooperation between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

“UPDF and FARDC continue to work closely as reliable partners in maintaining peace and stability across the region,” he said.

Maj. Gen. Mugegwa added that the exercise reflects Uganda’s Pan-African spirit and commitment to regional solidarity, consistent with cooperation frameworks under the East African Community and wider continental arrangements. All required legal and administrative steps were completed to ensure the soldiers were repatriated safely and in an orderly manner, he revealed.

On behalf of the DRC government, Maj. Gen. Everiste Somo Kakule, the Military Governor for North Kivu, applauded UPDF leadership for the care accorded to FARDC soldiers while in Uganda and appreciated the cordial relations between FARDC and UPDF.

Those present included Brig. Gen. Mugisa Muleka Joseph, FARDC Sector commander, Northern frontier, Immigration Officers from Uganda and DRC, among others.

In his comments, Maj. Kiconco Tabaro, the 2 Infantry Division Public Relations Officer, hailed the cooperation between the two nations