Uganda Hands Over 5 DRC Soldiers Who Fled Goma Clashes

The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), working closely with the Regional Immigration Office in Mbarara, has handed over five soldiers of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) who fled intensified fighting in Eastern DRC and crossed into Uganda.

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)—reported that they had escaped escalating clashes around Goma. They were intercepted by Ugandan security personnel in Mukongolo and later transferred to Buhoma Police Station for screening.

The UPDF hosted the group from July 2025 in accordance with International Humanitarian Law, which requires humane treatment of foreign military personnel who enter another country. Officials noted that none of the five sought asylum and all voluntarily opted to return home.

During the handover ceremony, the Commander of the UPDF Mountain Division, Maj Gen Stephen Mugerwa, highlighted the strong and enduring security relationship between Kampala and Kinshasa.

“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 demonstrates Uganda’s Pan-African spirit and commitment to regional solidarity under frameworks of the East African Community and other continental mechanisms.

All necessary legal and administrative procedures were undertaken to ensure a secure, orderly, and dignified repatriation.

Representing the DRC government, Maj Gen Everiste Somo Kakule, the Military Governor of North Kivu, commended Uganda for the care extended to the soldiers during their stay and praised the cordial ties between the two militaries.

Other officials present included Brig Gen Mugisa Muleka Joseph, the FARDC Sector Commander for the Northern Frontier, as well as immigration authorities from both Uganda and the DRC.