The soldiers, who were found armed, were taken into custody by Ugandan authorities on February 12, 2025 before being handed over to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Nebbi Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Robert Abak confirmed the development, stating that the Ugandan government followed the proper channels to ensure the soldiers were safely returned. "We handled the matter diplomatically and ensured they were repatriated without conflict," Abak said.

However, sources close to the soldiers claim they were not in Uganda illegally. “We were not trespassing! This is our land,” one of them reportedly said while being escorted back to the DRC.

Lake Albert, which sits between Uganda and the DRC, has been a source of tension between the two countries for years and the Congolese soldiers may have believed they were operating within their territory.

Fishermen and security forces from both sides have clashed multiple times, with accusations of illegal activities and territorial violations.

The DRC soldiers were allegedly operating illegally on Lake Albert in Buliisa District.