Attacks on Lake Albert Linked to DRC Gangs

Investigations into the constant attacks on fishermen on Lake Albert have linked the attacks to organized gangs operating in the Democratic Republic of Congo-DRC.

John Stephen Ekoom, the Hoima Resident District Commissioner, explains that the attackers are not Congolese government soldiers as earlier alleged. He says that the gangs operate along the shores of Lake Albert.

Ekoom says that on Monday, he met Congolese government officials in Bunia district about the persistent attacks on Ugandan fishermen on Lake Albert. He says that the Congolese government officials informed him that the groups carrying out the operation are not known to the government. 

He says security operatives in both countries have identified areas where the armed gangs are operating. The areas are the landing sites of Joo, Tchomia, and Kasenyi in Eastern DRC. 

According to Ekoom, some of the ringleaders of the attackers have been identified by security operatives from both Uganda and DRC. He explains that both countries will before the end of this month meet to address measures of ending insecurity on the lake.

//Cue in:” because we have…

//cue out…We have intensified.”//.

Over the weekend, more than 20 engines belonging to fishermen were robbed by the armed gangs from the landing sites of Kijangi, Kaiso, Fofo, Rwentali, Butiaba, and sebigoro in the sub-counties of Kabwoya, Buseruka, Kyangwali Butiaba and Kyangwali.

The fishermen are yet to recover the confiscated fishing gears. Some of the affected fishermen whose fishing gear were robbed include Eler opar of Kaiso landing site, Obel Ochendi of Rwenatli landing site,  Asinet Bizimana of Kaiso, Robert Mujuni of Kaiso and Kumakech of Fofo landing site.