By Johnson Knayesige
Leaders in the Bunyoro sub-region have blamed the Ugandan government for failing to demarcate the Lake Albert boundary, a situation they say continues to cause tension and insecurity.
They argue that the absence of a clear border between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has led to frequent disputes on the lake, with fishermen from both sides often arrested for allegedly crossing into foreign waters.
The leaders are now urging both governments to expedite the boundary demarcation process to end the longstanding friction and safeguard livelihoods.
Uthman Kadir Mugisa, the Hoima LC5 Chairperson, noted that many Ugandan fishermen have been arrested and detained by Congolese authorities due to the lack of clearly defined territorial limits.
Peter Banura, the Kikuube LC5 Chairperson, explained that the lake’s overlapping border between Uganda and Congo has created significant uncertainty. He said the poorly defined boundaries often lead fishermen to inadvertently cross into foreign waters, sparking conflict.
Hoima Woman MP Harriet Businge pointed out that several Ugandan fishermen have fallen victim to arrest by Congolese authorities. She expressed hope that a formal demarcation would bring an end to the ongoing insecurity.
Bugahya County MP Pius Wakabi Rujumba stressed that the boundary issue is not only an economic concern but also a matter of national security.
He said several fishermen from his constituency have been detained by DRC forces.
Kigorobya County MP David Karubanga emphasized that well-marked boundaries would enable fishermen to operate confidently within their designated territories and foster cooperation among fishing communities.
Since 2018, attacks by suspected Congolese militiamen on Ugandan fishermen have persisted. Many have lost their lives, fishing gear, and boats in violent encounters.
