Congolese police officers who fled to Uganda undergo verification

Kanungu, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | 98 Congolese National Police officers who fled to the Ugandan side of Ishasha in Kanungu district have undergone security verification.

The officers together with some of their families (13 mothers, 27 children and one civilian) fled to Kanungu on August 3, 2024, after the fall of Nyamilima town to M23.

Major Kiconco Tabaro Uganda Peoples Defense Forces (UPDF) 2nd Infantry Division Public Information officer said on Tuesday that verification that started on Monday was presided over by Lt Col Jacob Apunia of the Congolese army, Brig Gen Paul Muhanguzi, 2nd Division Infantry Division Commander and Ambrose Mwesigye Amanyire, Kanungu, Resident District commissioner.

Kiconco says that security officials also verified 41 rifles, 55 fully loaded Magazines, 10 empty magazines, 2 helmets and other assorted items.  Kiconco says that the exercise is part of the process by the Congolese National Army ahead of the transfer of the police officers through a safe passage that will be provided by the Ugandan government at any time.

Apunia hailed the Ugandan government and civilians for welcoming the officers.

“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” says Apunia.

Tension remains high in North Kivu province as Militia groups under their umbrella Wazalendo on Tuesday released a statement accusing M23 rebels of reinforcing in Kanyabayonga for the last two days with intentions of launching assault and advance more in Lubero, Butembo, Beni and Kasindi.

The conflict between M23 and the Congolese government began in March 2022, led by Bertrand Bisimwa and Emmanuel Sultan Makenga. The war led to the M23/AFC capture and control of large parts of Rutshuru, Masisi, Nyiragongo and Lubero territories in North Kivu province.

The DR Congo government has repeatedly accused Rwanda of supporting M23, a claim that both Rwanda and M23 deny. The rebels assert that their fight is against corruption, xenophobia and discrimination within the DR Congo’s leadership.

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