Fisheries Protection Unit Officers Shoot Fisherman

A fisherman at Sebigoro Landing site in Nkondo Parish Kabwoya Sub County in Kikuube district nursing injuries after being shot by soldiers attached to the Uganda People Defense forces-UPDF Fisheries Protection Unit.    

Brian Ibrahim, the son of Ibrahim Okethi, the Chairperson Sebigoro landing site was shot on Sunday night during an operation by the Fisheries Protection Unit.  

Julius Hakiza, the Albertine Region Police Spokesperson told Uganda Radio Network this morning that the operatives raided Sebigoro landing site around 11pm and started confiscating immature fish from fishermen.    

He however, says the fishermen resisted the operation and attempted to lynch the officers involved in the operation prompting them to shoot in the air to disperse them.

Hakiza says in the scuffle, the officers shot Ibrahim in the leg injuring him critically. 

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Hakiza says the officers also picked up four fishermen believed to be the ring leaders of the protest. 

According to Hakiza, police has launched investigations into the shooting to ascertain what caused the commotion.  

The fishermen led by Peter Kyasimire, the Nkondo parish LC 2 Chairperson accuse the officers for alleged harassment and extortion.

He says the operatives often impound their fish, which they later sell to traders from the Democratic Republic of Congo.     

He wonders why the operation, which is supposed to be conducted during day time, is conducted late in the night without even the involvement of area leaders.  

Kyasimire wants the officers investigated for their actions. 

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Our reporter couldn’t get a comment from the Unit by the time of filing this story.