At least 10 soldiers of 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 Monday’s defeat to M23 rebel group.
The M23 rebel group captured Bunagana border post on Monday 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.
Hajji Shaffiq Sekandi, the Kisoro RDC says however, that most of the Congolese soldiers managed to return home on the same night.
The RDC says the UPDF assisted their Congolese counterparts with a military escort to the border town of Ishasha in Kanungu district which is approximately 1.3Kms to Ishasha, DRC under the cover of night.
Health workers treating the injured soldiers at Mutolere Hospital
Sekandi, along with the Congolese Ambassad or to Uganda Jean Pierre Massala on Tuesday 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 after he was shot in the chest.
Medical workers at the hospital say, his condition is steadily improving because the bullet damaged one of his lungs before exiting through his back.
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 DRC 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, Massala declined, saying the memories of defeat are too fresh and this might anger the Congolese who still have faith in the Congolese Government.
At least one Congolese soldier has died at Mutolere Hospital.
Hospital sources say, the solider died upon arrival at the health facility.
