The announcement confirmed the police officers’ identities and noted their entry into Uganda was made as a humanitarian gesture and in accordance with international law.
Major Kiconco Tabaro, a Ugandan military spokesperson, reported that the officers were handed over with their weapons, ammunition, and other arms.
He added that refugees continue to cross into Uganda to escape the ongoing violence in eastern Congo.
The M23 rebel group has intensified its insurgency in eastern Congo since 2022, recently capturing Kanyabayonga in North Kivu province, a strategically important town.
Over the past year, Congo’s military has escalated its efforts to repel the rebels, deploying drones and aircraft. Despite these measures, the rebels have continued to expand their territory.
The conflict in North Kivu has displaced over 1.7 million individuals, raising the total number of Congolese displaced by various conflicts to an unprecedented 7.2 million, according to U.N. estimates. Many of these displaced people face severe hardships, including inadequate access to food, clean water, and shelter, as aid resources remain scarce amid ongoing instability.
The conflict in North Kivu has displaced over 1.7 million individuals, raising the total number of Congolese displaced by various conflicts to an unprecedented 7.2 million, according to U.N. assessments.
Many of these displaced people face severe hardships, including inadequate access to food, clean water, and shelter, as aid resources remain scarce amid ongoing instability.
The situation has been further exacerbated by the M23 insurgency, which has intensified local violence and instability.
Despite increased military efforts by Congo, including the deployment of drones and aircraft, the rebels have continued to extend their control over new areas.
This expansion has deepened the crisis and presented significant challenges for humanitarian organizations working to assist those affected.