HOIMA- Suspected Congolese men have shot dead three Ugandan fishermen on Lake Albert.
The Friday night attack happened near Kaiso Landing site in Tonya Parish, Hoima district.
The deceased dead have been identified only as Stoni, Isaac and Aduba, all fishermen who have been operating at Kaiso Landing site. It is said the trio was attacked as they carried out their routine fishing activity.
James Kibonge, one of the survivors told our reporter that attackers dressed in camouflage uniform attacked their boat and held them at gunpoint and they had no option but to surrender their fishing gear to the attackers.
Mr. Kibonge said he managed to jump off the boat and started swimming before the attackers gunned down his colleagues. Kibonge made a loud call for help and other fishermen came to his rescue.
Godfrey Twinobusingye one of Kibonge’s rescuers blamed the Uganda security forces for not protecting fishermen from DRC militiamen.
Mr. Julius Hakiza, the Albertine Region Police spokesperson says security operatives have launched investigations into the attack.
“We have already launched a manhunt for the attackers who killed the [fishermen]. We are working together with other security organs to apprehend anyone who interferes with the peace of Ugandans,” Mr. Hakiza said.
Hakiza said they are still searching for the three bodies in Lake Albert’s waters.
This is not the first time armed Congolese militia are attacking Ugandan fishermen, on March 30, 2019, 30 boat engines were stolen from fishermen on the Ugandan side of Lake Alberts.
On March 1, 2019, three suspected Congolese men raided Kyehoro landing site in Kikuube District and abducted Pith Opio, a fisherman at the landing site.
It is alleged that in all incidents the attacks head to the DRC side after the attacks.
