Thousands had fled their homes earlier in the week after fighting that broke out between Congolese government forces and the M23 rebels in the Rutshuru area of North Kivu province.

On Friday morning, Bunagana was a hive of activities, with people carrying personal belongings and dragging livestock across the border.

They had camped for days in schools and churches on the Ugandan side, while others were hosted by friends and relatives nearby.

Many were hesitant to be registered by the Ugandan authorities and humanitarian agencies - as this would have meant they would be moved to designated resettlement areas, making it more difficult to return home.

Lorries are now being allowed to pass through the border, which had recently been closed to transport and trade.

The rebels, formed largely by Congolese army deserters, say they are fighting for the rights of Congolese ethnic Tutsi.

Earlier, DR Congo said some Rwandan soldiers were backing the rebels, an allegation denied by Kigali.

M23 rebels captured large parts of North Kivu a decade ago - they were eventually routed and as part of a regional peace deal disarmed and mainly moved into camps in Uganda.

However, in recent months they have been slowly leaving the camps after complaints that the deal was not being honoured.

Refugees crossing back to DR Congo at the Bunagana border crossing