By VOM News Team
At least 10 Soldiers from the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) are currently admitted to St. Francis Hospital, Mutolere in Kisoro district where they are receiving medical treatment following yesterday’s defeat to M23 rebel group.
The M23 rebel group captured Bunagana border post yesterday morning forcing Congolese soldiers and police to run into Uganda for safety.
A total of 137 Congolese soldiers crossed into Uganda and were given temporary refuge at Kibaya Military Barracks in Kisoro district.
Kisoro Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Hajji Shafiq Sekandi says the Congolese Soldiers managed to return to the Democratic Republic of Congo (D.R.C) on the same night.
According to Sekandi, the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) assisted their Congolese Counterparts with a military escort to the border town of Ishasha, Kanungu district which is approximately 1.3Kms to Ishasha, D.R.C., under the cover of night.
The Kisoro RDC Shafiq Sekandi along with the Congolese Ambassador to Uganda Jean Pierre Massala today visited some of the injured Congolese combatants admitted to St. Francis Hospital, Mutolere.
One Soldier, whose identity was not revealed has been admitted to the Intensive Care Unit since Sunday last week, after he was shot through the chest.
Medical workers at the hospital say, his condition is steadily improving because the bullet only managed to damage one of his lungs before exiting through his back.
“The Soldier has regained his strength and is likely to make a full recovery however he still has a long journey ahead of him”, Medical worker explained.
The other soldiers who are admitted in the male ward at the hospital are nursing injuries from bomb fragments as well as shock.
According to the medical staff at Mutolere, the patients with serious injuries have been scheduled for surgery.
His Excellency Massala offered the soldiers a word of encouragement and promised them that the Government of the D.R.C would cover their medical bills.
Massala further pointed out that their bravery and courage would not be forgotten.
When asked to visit Bunagana border or the transit camp in Nyakabande, His Excellency Massala declined, saying the memories of defeat are too fresh and this might anger the Congolese who still have faith in the Congolese Government.
Kisoro RDC Shafiq Sekandi says the injured entered into Uganda in a very poor state prompting the security committee to intervene to save lives.
At least one Congolese soldier has died at Mutolere Hospital.
Hospital sources say, the solider died upon arrival at the health facility.
Discussion about this post