Kasindi–Lhubiriha, North Kivu
The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), in coordination with the Regional Immigration Office in Mbarara, has officially handed over five Congolese soldiers to the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC). The handover ceremony took place on Monday at the Kasindi–Lhubiriha border point along the Uganda–DRC frontier at Mpwondwe. The soldiers handed over were identified as Sgt. Kabangu Nsingi Jeancy (33), Cpl. Bloende Botelu Enoch (35), Pte. Nkonyi Ngumu Mbuya (26), Pte. Musungu Malu Beni (22), and Pte. Bakomba Mupepe Exauce (20).
The soldiers handed over were identified as Sgt. Kabangu Nsingi Jeancy (33), Cpl. Bloende Botelu Enoch (35), Pte. Nkonyi Ngumu Mbuya (26), Pte. Musungu Malu Beni (22), and Pte. Bakomba Mupepe Exauce (20).
According to UPDF officials, the five fled the city of Goma in eastern DRC amid intensified fighting and later moved toward the Ugandan border. They were intercepted by security personnel in the Mukongolo area and transferred to Buhoma Police Station for screening. The UPDF has hosted the group since July 2025, adhering to International Humanitarian Law and established regional norms governing the humane treatment of foreign military personnel who cross into another country. All soldiers were reported to be in good health, did not seek asylum, and voluntarily opted to return to their country.
Presiding over the ceremony, Maj Gen Stephen Mugerwa, Commander of the UPDF Mountain Division, reiterated the strong security 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 added that the repatriation exercise demonstrates Uganda’s Pan-African values and commitment to regional solidarity under frameworks of the East African Community and other continental mechanisms.
The military representatives at the handover ceremony
UPDF officials confirmed that all legal and administrative procedures were duly completed to ensure an orderly and secure handover.
Representing the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Maj Gen Everiste Somo Kakule, Military Governor of North Kivu, expressed gratitude to the UPDF for the care and humane treatment accorded to the FARDC soldiers during their stay in Uganda. He also commended the ongoing cooperation between the two forces.
The ceremony was attended by Brig Gen Mugisa Muleka Joseph, FARDC Sector Commander for the Northern Frontier, as well as immigration officials from both Uganda and the DRC.
Torch Media Africa
