By URN
Leaders and fishermen operating on Lake Albert in Kikuube district are demanding for heightened security surveillance network to offer them protection following the killing of two suspected DRC militiamen on the lake by Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) soldiers.
The fishermen and leaders say that following the killing of the two suspected DRC militiamen on the lake, other militiamen from the DRC could cross and cause havoc to Ugandan fishermen while on the lake.
They now demand that UPDF and other security agencies be heavily deployed on the lake and on the shores of Lake Albert to guarantee their safety.
On Tuesday evening, Uganda People’s Defence Forces- UPDF gunned down two suspected Congolese militiamen during a fierce gun battle on Lake Albert in Kikuube District. The clash occurred at around 3 p.m. near the Senjojo landing site in Buhuka Parish, Kyangwali Sub-county.
Six other suspected militiamen were injured and arrested, and six firearms were recovered during the operation. Security authorities have yet to reveal the identities of the deceased and the injured.
The armed men, dressed in Congolese military camouflage, crossed into Ugandan waters and held six local fishermen at gunpoint, demanding they surrender their boats, fishing nets, and engines. The fishermen managed to alert the UPDF, prompting a rapid military response.
Before the soldiers could intervene, the suspected militiamen opened fire, triggering an exchange that left two of them dead.
The bodies of the deceased have been taken to Kyangwali Health Centre IV mortuary for postmortem, while the injured suspects are receiving treatment under tight security.
Ugandan security agencies have contacted their counterparts in Ituri Province, Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, to trace the origin of the attackers.
Gilbert Ochai, a fisherman at Senjojo landing site, explains that there is a need for security to intensify patrols on the lake to guarantee the safety of fishermen while on the lake.
Fostino Okwera, also a fisherman, notes that following the shooting of the two suspected DRC militiamen on the lake, other militiamen from the DRC could raid the lake and retaliate negatively against Ugandan fishermen while on the lake.
Regina Ngamita, the Buhuka parish LCII Chairperson, notes that currently, fishermen and other residents in the area are living in fear of being attacked by suspected Congolese militia.
Jackson Tibenda, a fisherman at Songa landing site explains that currently they are not secure while on the lake calling upon security operatives to intensify surveillance and patrols on the lake to eliminate the vice.
Emmanuel Bisemeza, the Kyangwali sub-county LCIII Chairperson, says the attacks have become an unbearable tasking security to do all they can to secure Ugandans on the lake.
Julius Hakiza, the Albertine regional police spokesperson, has called for calm among the residents, noting that Ugandan security is in full control of the Ugandan-DRC Borders both on the lake and on the shores of Lake Albert.
He has however tasked fishermen to be vigilant while on the lake and report any suspicious persons to security personnel for immediate action to be taken.
Attacks on Ugandan fishermen by suspected DRC militiamen have persisted for long time.
In April 2020, two suspected Congolese militiamen were shot dead by UPDF soldiers near Kaiso landing site in Buseruka Sub-county, Hoima District.
Five others were arrested and detained at Hoima Central Police Station, and three AK-47 rifles with 47 rounds of ammunition were recovered.
Attacks by suspected Congolese militiamen have plagued Ugandan fishermen since 2018.
In March 2021 alone, armed groups allegedly robbed 19 boat engines and abducted 16 Ugandan fishermen, who were later detained at Tchomia Landing Site in Bunia District. Each fisherman was released after reportedly paying a ransom of USD 50.
