KAMPALA- The Congolese National Army (FARDC) have carried out a verification exercise to confirm the authenticity of National Congolese Police Officers who fled to Uganda after M23 took control of areas along borders with Democratic Republic of Congo last month.
According to the UPDF 2nd Infantry Division Public Information Officer Major Kiconco Tabaro, the verification exercise took place at Ishasha border post in Kanungu District and Democratic Republic of Congo delegation was led by Lt Col Jacob Apunia.
The Ugandan team was led by the UPDF 2nd Infantry Division Commander Brig Gen Paul Muhanguzi and included Kanungu Resident District Commissioner Ambrose Mwesigye Amanyire, Kanungu District Police Commander John Kutosi, Ishasha Immigration officers and the District Security committee members.
Major Kiconco Tabaro said that the exercise is part of the process by Congolese National Army ahead of the transfer of Congolese Police through a safe passage that will be provided by Ugandan government in the near near future.
The official confirmed that indeed 98 Police officers, 2 civillins and 1 of them disabled, 13 mothers with 27 children were Congolese nationals and expressed gratitude to government of Uganda for the kind of generosity offered to the fleeing Congolese National whenever there is a conflict.
“We thank the Government of Uganda, the UPDF and Ugandan locals for treating us in a brotherly and sisterly way as we fight insecurity perpetuated on Congolese Nationals by armed groups in the Eastern DRC” Lt Col Jacob Apunia speaking in Lingala, Congolese native language said.
Brig Gen Muhanguzi said that that the Congolese officials who fled to Uganda are safe and well, their handling, while in Uganda, is within the premises of cordial relations enjoyed by the government of Uganda and Democratic Republic of Congo.
“My coming here is to witness the verification conducted by FARDC Army Officer Col Jacob Apunia who has come to confirm that these are real Congolese officers with their wives and children who are under our protection and care after fleeing into Uganda” Brig Gen Muhanguzi said.
He also thanked the Police, immigration officers and the UPDF personnel for taking care of Congolese officers with their wives and children .
“The next step is to contact our strategic leadership to organize and facilitate their safe movement through Uganda to their home country” He said.
Brig Gen Muhanguzi saluted the RDC Kanungu Ambrose Mwesigye Amanyire and his team for the support and collaboration efforts amongst security stakeholders in the district.
The Security officials from Uganda and Col Jacob Apunia verified equipment which included 41 rifles, 55 full loaded Magazines 10 empty magazines, 2 helmets and other miner assorted items and the Congolese Policemen are expected to travel back to their country any time soon.
