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Congolese militiamen kill 7 Ugandan fishermen

Sunday November 18 2018
Albert
By MONITOR

Seven Ugandan fishermen have reportedly been shot dead by Congolese militiamen on the Lake Albert.

Authorities say the attack happened Saturday evening near Kaiso landing site in Buseruka sub-County, Hoima District.

The deceased were all fishermen attached to Kaiso landing site. One other person was injured in the attack and was admitted to Hoima Regional Referral Hospital.

It is alleged that the fishermen were attacked as they went to search for the body of one of their colleagues who was reportedly cut into pieces and dumped into the lake by the same militiamen on Monday.

A colleague

Mr Robert Mujuni, the representative of the fishermen at Kaiso landing site, said the situation on Lake Albert was worrying and fishermen were now fearing for their lives. He added that the security of the lake had been taken over by the suspected Congolese militia.

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"It is a big tragedy. As our people went to search for the body of a colleague who was attacked by the suspected militias, they were also attacked and seven of them died. Despite the presidential directive on deployment of UPDF on the waters nothing much has changed. A lot of our property have also been confiscated by the suspected militia group from Congo. Let government intervene for the safety of our live," Mr Mujuni said.

Police post

Mr Ibrahim Odongo, a fisherman at Kaiso, who lost an uncle in the Saturday attack, explained that life on the lake had become difficult following the attacks that had left scores of people killed in one week. He urged for immediate government intervention to address the situation.

Mr Amos Muhindo, the second in command at Kaiso landing site police post, said the Saturday attack was carried out by more than five suspected militiamen dressed in Congolese army uniform, who were all armed with guns.

The latest attack raises to 12, the total number of fishermen who have been killed by the suspected Congolese militiamen in just one week.

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