Uganda releases 16 Congolese found fishing illegally on Lake Edward

Kasese, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Sixteen Congolese fishermen who were arrested and detained by Ugandan authorities have been released.

They were arrested on Lake Edward in Kasese District for illegal entry into Uganda. Earlier this month another 36 DRC fishermen who were arrested on Lake Edward in 2019 were also released to go back to their home country and in a reciprocal act DRC also released seven Ugandan fishermen in the same month.

The Deputy Resident District Commissioner Kasese Joshua Masreka said the group was arrested on Lake Edward without proper migration documents and using illegal fishing nets and boats.   Masereka asked the Congolese counterparts to intensify their security and management of the water resources.

Masereka said there more than 30 Congolese who are still detained in Uganda will soon be released and deported back to their Country.

The Principal Migrations Officer Democratic Republic of Congo, Muhindo Bakalyaghe hailed the improving relationships between the two countries.  He assured Ugandan authorities that all Ugandans who are being detained in DRC will also be released.

Jean Michael, one of the released fishermen says he was arrested in 2019 after he mistakenly crossed into the Ugandan side.

The fisherman asked both countries to establish clear boundaries in the lake.

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