Mugabe Robert
Fishermen at Rwenshama Landing Site in Bwambara Sub County, Rukungiri District, are suffering losses due to the ongoing seizure of their fishing equipment by suspected marine soldiers from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Uganda shares a significant border with the Democratic Republic of Congo along Lake Edward in Southwestern Uganda. However, the fishermen on Lake Edward are claiming that Congolese marine soldiers are disregarding the boundaries and confiscating the fishing equipment of Ugandan fishermen, accusing them of trespassing.
According to local residents, there used to be a boundary signpost at Kagyezi, which was removed. This removal has allowed Congolese marine soldiers to claim a 7-kilometer area within Uganda, where they encounter Ugandan fishermen and seize their equipment.
David Mpungirehi, a fisherman on Lake Edward, has reported that unknown soldiers have confiscated boat engines and other belongings on multiple occasions. He has called on the government to step in and determine the origin of these soldiers, as the fishermen are growing increasingly frustrated.
Nuwagaba Keneth, the Chairperson LC2 of Rwenshama Parish and a fisherman himself, revealed that they recently held a meeting with representatives from the Democratic Republic of Congo at the disputed location. However, these representatives contested the boundary and insisted on their claim of 7 kilometers within Uganda.
Lieutenant Colonel Robert Kotunga Nahamya, the Commander of the 19th Battalion based in Kihiihi Town Council, Kanungu District, and a member of the delegation seeking a resolution to the issue, has assured that a delegation is actively working on the matter and expects a resolution in the near future.
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