The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has completed the handover of Congolese security officers and civilians who had sought refuge in Uganda following the recent M23 rebel assaults. The handover occurred on August 16, 2024, and involved 140 Congolese nationals, including 98 police officers, two civilian males (one disabled), 13 women, and 27 children.
According to Maj Kiconco Tabaro, the UPDF 2nd Infantry Division Public Information Officer, the group departed from the Ishasha Border in Kanungu District early on Friday. They traveled to the Mpwonde-Kasindi border post in Kasese District, where they were received later in the day by Congolese authorities.
The unrest began earlier this month when M23 rebels seized control of the Nyaruhanje border post in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), halting movement into the country. The rebels also captured a Congolese military barracks located about four kilometers from the Ishasha border post. This situation prompted many Congolese officers to flee to Uganda for safety.
Maj Tabaro reported that the Congolese security officers had been housed securely in Uganda since the M23’s takeover of several areas, including Kiwanza, Nyamirima, Buganza, and Ishasha in the Rutchuru region of North Kivu. The ongoing conflict has resulted in a significant influx of refugees into Uganda, with many being accommodated at the Matanda Transit Camp in Kanungu and the Nyakabande Transit Camp in Kisoro District.
This is not the first instance of Uganda hosting Congolese security officers following cross-border skirmishes. Uganda has consistently provided safe passage and humanitarian assistance to these officers, in line with international law and the spirit of Pan-Africanism. This reflects the strong and cordial relationship between Uganda and the DRC.
Lt Col Tembo Sitende, the Ugandan battalion commander at the Kanungu border, supervised the handover along with UPDF and FARDC joint verification officials. They ensured the safe transfer of the group to the Mpwonde-Kasindi border post.
Verification conducted by Lt Col Jacob Apunia on August 12 confirmed that the group included Congolese National Police Officers who had crossed into Uganda with 41 assault rifles, 55 fully loaded magazines, 10 empty magazines, one hand grenade, two helmets, and one rocket-propelled grenade fuse.
Meanwhile, Congolese civilian refugees continue to arrive in Uganda from various regions in the Rutchuru area, including Katwiguru, Kiseguro, Binza, and others. The notable crossing points are Kyeshero and Ishasha in Kanungu District, as well as Bunagana and Nkuringo in Kisoro.
Maj Tabaro emphasized that the UPDF 2nd Infantry Division remains vigilant, tightening surveillance at the border to prevent potential infiltration by negative elements in the region.
