By Insight Post Uganda
Hoima-Uganda
Fishermen on the shores of Lake Albert in Hoima district have received a stern warning not to fish in the waters of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The authorities fear that venturing into these foreign waters could lead to more clashes, and losses of life, fishing gear and valuable belongings.
Recent incidents have raised concerns about the safety of fishermen, with reports of armed robberies at some landing sites. Michael Kyakashari Muramira, the Hoima Deputy Resident District Commissioner, emphasized that crossing the border illegally puts them at risk and urged the fishing community to heed the warning to prevent further trouble.
The Insight Post Uganda has established that with tension gripping the region, the once harmonious relationship between the neighbouring countries now faces great turbulence, leaving the fishermen caught in the crossfire of territorial disputes and dangerous encounters.
In the wake of a recent alarming incident, where armed men raided Runga landing site in Kibiro parish, Kiganja sub-county, the warning rings louder than ever.
The commissioner attributed the losses to fishermen daring to cross the border, an act that invites the perils of being robbed and the painful relinquishment of their hard-earned property.
However, he dismissed rumours of militia attacks in the region, asserting that the victims had been engaging in illegal fishing activities well within Ugandan waters, hence becoming easy targets for those who view them as intruders.
The fishermen encountered a series of troubles that began with an alleged incident on the shores of Lake Albert. On July 22, 2023, they were attacked by unidentified gunmen on the Ugandan side.
During the attack, the fishermen, including Suleiman Meddy and Razaras Muhozi, suffered significant losses. They had four large fishing nets, four fuel tanks, fishing boats, 11 life jackets, and six pressure pumps, all of which amounted to over UGX15 million, stolen from them.
Survivors of the incident recounted that the raid occurred shortly after they had cast their nets. A boat from the Congo side crossed over to their territory and unexpectedly opened fire as they approached the Ugandan fishermen.
The gunmen reportedly threatened the fishermen, warning that any noise would result in being thrown into the water. Additionally, the attackers demanded the fishermen’s belongings, which they refused to hand over. Once the robbery was completed, the gunmen escaped in the direction of Kasenyi-Kyomya, located in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Intelligence Account
According to Muramira and other district security sources, Ugandan fishermen usually cross to DRC territory where they are attacked by the authorities, fishermen and thugs hence losing their fish catch, and fishing gear.
Still, some fishermen from DRC also cross into Ugandan waters for fishing purposes hence causing endless clashes between the fishermen. According to the authorities, it is imperative to safeguard Uganda’s borders and assure that stringent measures are in place to prevent unauthorised crossing on either side of the border.
A joint security meeting involving various stakeholders, including Marine commanders, area members of parliament, and district leaders from different landing sites, is to convene for discussions aimed to address the matter.
In the most recent incident, Ugandan security authorities in Hoima district apprehended some Congolese individuals who had crossed into Ugandan waters. They were later charged and the immigration authorities are yet to deport them to Congo.
The security forces are currently investigating allegations that some Ugandan fishermen collaborate with the militiamen to orchestrate these attacks.
According to Julius Hakiiza, the spokesperson of the Albertine Police region, these recurring attacks have plagued the area for several years. However, they have continuously disrupted the livelihoods of the fishermen leaving them jobless and impoverished.
These unscrupulous individuals usually profit from these criminal activities by sharing the loot taken from fellow Ugandans and the security team is investigating to identify them.
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