Ugandan fishermen on the shores of Lake Albert in Hoima district are counting losses after their properties were robbed by suspected Congolese soldiers, who invaded the waters on Friday and Saturday last week, making off with fishing gear worth over Shillings 100 Million.
The Buseruka Sub county LC V councilor
Geoffrey Kumakech says the Congolese raided fishermen near of Kaiso, Kijangi, Mbegu Kiryamboga and Fofo the landing sites, all in Tonya parish Buseruka Sub County and reportedly robbed seven boat Engines, Five boats, Fishing nets, hooks and batteries among others.
Kumakech only identifies some of the affected fishermen as Eler, Aruwa, Kyemo Racham and Mazembe, explaining that after robbing the fishing gear, the attackers took off to Jo landing site in Ituri province in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
According to the LCV Chairman, it has become common the Congolese soldiers to invade and attack Ugandan fishermen on the Lake Albert waters and then change the fishermen to recover their gears.
To recover a boat Engine, Komakech says the fishermen have to part with between US$ 600 and 800 while a set of fishing nets costs between US$ 300to 400 dollars, which is costly.
The Albertine Region Police spokesperson, Julius Hakiza, says they will partner with sister security agencies in the region to intensify operations on the lake. Adding that they are investigating circumstances under, which the Congolese armed soldiers continuously attack Ugandan fishermen.
