KAISO – Two Congolese gunmen were on Thursday afternoon shot dead following a fire exchange with UPDF soldiers on Lake Albert.
The incident occurred close to Kaiso Landing Site, which is close to the border with DRC.
Amooti Bahemuka, a fisherman who witnessed the incident, said the fire exchange lasted close to an hour, adding that the armed men had crossed to the Uganda side of the lake.
He said that the armed men have often terrorised the fishermen, taking away their engine boats and fish.
Mr Samuel Kisembo Araali, the Hoima Resident District Commissioner (RDC), confirmed the incident, adding that they also recovered three rifles and arrested three more gunmen.
One boat engine which the Congolese had allegedly stolen from Ugandan fishermen at Kijangi landing site was reportedly recovered in the operation.
Mr Kisembo said that they are interrogating the suspects to know whether they belong to the DRC Government or militia operating in the east of the country.
Over the years, Congolese militia groups have often attacked Ugandan fishermen and security personnel on Lake Albert.
In May 2016, a suspected Congolese armed group attacked Ugandan policemen who were patrolling Lake Albert and killed three policemen who included Police constable Moses Ochen, Police constable Bernard Isingoma, Sgt Mazafaru Waiswa and the Police’s marine coxswain Corporal Biral Obara who was driving the boat was critically injured and taken captive.
