By KT Reporter
Fishermen operating on Lake Albert have urged candidates seeking elective positions at all levels to make the immediate demarcation of the Uganda–DRC boundary a top priority, warning that the absence of a clearly marked border continues to fuel frequent clashes and arrests on the lake.
They argue that the long-standing lack of a defined boundary between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo has created uncertainty, insecurity, and persistent disputes, with fishermen from both countries often accused of crossing into foreign waters.
Robert Gingyera, Chairperson of the Lake Albert Silverfish Fishers Association, said the unclear border has resulted in continuous misunderstandings, including arrests of fishermen on both sides. He called for urgent intervention from political leaders to push both governments to conclude the demarcation process. Collins Atuhura, a fisherman at Mbegu landing site in Hoima, said many Ugandan fishermen have been detained by Congolese authorities because of the undefined border. He appealed to candidates vying for presidential, parliamentary, and local government positions to ensure that boundary demarcation becomes part of their agenda.
At Sebigoro landing site in Kikuube, fisherman Gilbert Atugonza said a clearly marked border would enable fishermen to operate with confidence in their territories, reducing conflict and insecurity. At the Fofo landing site in Buseruka Sub-County, fisherman John Munguriek also called on candidates at all levels to champion the demarcation issue so that the government can be compelled to act quickly and provide a lasting solution.
Geofrey Kumakech, the Buseruka Sub-County LC5 Councilor seeking re-election, said local leaders have repeatedly appealed to both Uganda and DRC authorities—without success—to initiate the boundary demarcation process. He noted that Ugandan fishermen continue to suffer arrests and detention in DRC waters.
Pius Wakabi, the Bugahya County Member of Parliament seeking re-election, said he has long pushed for the demarcation of the Lake Albert boundary to prevent further clashes. He urged leaders in the region to speak with one voice and demand that both governments prioritise this long-overdue process. In June this year, leaders in the Bunyoro sub-region also faulted the Ugandan government for failing to demarcate the Lake Albert boundary, saying the lack of clarity continues to cause tension, insecurity, and frequent disputes on the lake, with fishermen from both sides often arrested for allegedly crossing into foreign waters.
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