Uganda has handed over five soldiers from the Democratic Republic of the Congo who crossed into Ugandan territory while fleeing heavy fighting in eastern DR Congo. The transfer took place at the border and marked the end of several months of temporary shelter provided by Ugandan authorities.
According to a statement issued by the Ugandan military late on Monday the soldiers had entered Uganda in July during intense clashes between DR Congo troops and the March 23 Movement also known as M23. The rebel group has been involved in repeated bouts of fighting in North Kivu province creating instability and displacing thousands of civilians.
The Ugandan military said the soldiers were hosted in line with international humanitarian law which requires humane treatment for foreign military personnel who cross into another country during conflict. The statement noted that Uganda also followed regional norms that guide the handling of such cases including medical care, security arrangements and coordination with the soldiers’ home country.
Ugandan authorities said all five soldiers were in good health and did not request asylum. They chose to return home voluntarily after communication between the two armies. The handover was conducted at a designated border point where representatives from the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo received them and completed the formalities.
Stephen Mugerwa, commander of Uganda’s Mountain Division, attended the handover ceremony and reaffirmed the commitment of both countries to maintaining strong military cooperation. He said that Uganda and DR Congo share a responsibility to work together to promote peace and stability across the region especially in areas affected by armed groups.
Uganda and DR Congo have collaborated in recent years on joint security operations aimed at countering threats posed by various militias operating along the border. The movement of soldiers during periods of intense fighting is not uncommon in the area where rugged terrain, shifting frontlines and limited infrastructure can complicate military operations.
Officials said the handover reflects ongoing communication and trust between the two countries’ armed forces. Both sides expressed appreciation for the cooperation that allowed the process to be completed smoothly and without incident.
The return of the soldiers comes as fighting involving M23 continues to create security concerns in eastern DR Congo. Regional bodies have been urging renewed dialogue and coordinated efforts to stabilise the area. Ugandan officials said they will continue to cooperate with DR Congo to support security initiatives and to ensure that situations involving displaced military personnel are handled responsibly.
