The group—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)—fled Goma amid escalating fighting in Eastern DRC.
They were intercepted in Mukongolo by Ugandan security and transferred to Buhoma Police for screening back in July.
Following International Humanitarian Law and regional norms, the UPDF provided humane care while the soldiers stayed in Uganda.
After months of hosting the foreign soldiers, the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) completed their handover today.
Opting not to seek asylum, they chose to return home voluntarily. The handover ceremony saw Maj Gen Stephen Mugerwa, Commander of the UPDF Mountain Division, highlight the strong partnership with DRC forces.
“UPDF and FARDC remain reliable partners in fostering peace,” he said, emphasizing Uganda’s Pan-African spirit and ties with the East African Community.
Maj Gen Everiste Somo Kakule, North Kivu’s Military Governor, praised the UPDF’s hospitality and the warm relations between the two armies.
Immigration officials and Brig Gen Mugisa Muleka Joseph, FARDC’s Northern Frontier Commander, were also present as all legal procedures were finalized for a safe repatriation.
