Uganda demands return of 38 boat engines seized by DRC
Authorities and local fishermen in the Bunyoro sub-region are demanding the unconditional release of 38 boat engines and 10 sets of fishing nets confiscated by Congolese authorities on Lake Albert.
The fishing gear, seized between March 2023 and April 2025, belonged to fishermen from the districts of Hoima, Buliisa, Kagadi, and Kikuube. It is currently being held at landing sites in the Ituri province of eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), including Tchomia, Joo, Muvaramu, Kasenyi, and Muguma, according to local leaders.
Robert Gingyera, chairperson of the Lake Albert Silver Fishers Association (LASFA), said the fishing equipment was impounded from Ugandan waters.
He said that despite numerous efforts since 2023, the gear has not been returned. He urged the government to demand its immediate and unconditional release.
Geofrey Kumakech, LC V councillor for Buseruka sub-county, noted that many affected fishermen are struggling to feed their families due to the loss of their equipment. Sylvester Tumukurate, deputy RDC of Buliisa, said discussions with the Congolese authorities are ongoing and expressed optimism that the gear will soon be returned at no cost.
Buliisa County MP, Allan Atugonza, said the rising cases of harassment and seizure of equipment by Congolese militias and authorities have made it increasingly difficult for Ugandan fishermen to operate on Lake Albert. Kabaseke Kyabakibi, head of a Congolese delegation currently in Uganda for negotiations, assured local leaders that the fishing gear would be returned under ongoing bilateral efforts.
On Wednesday, Uganda handed over 23 boat engines and 19 fishing boats to Congolese government officials at Butiaba landing site in Buliisa district. The gear had been confiscated by Uganda’s Fisheries Protection Unit (FPU) from Congolese fishermen between July 2024 and May 2025 during enforcement operations on Lake Albert in Buliisa and Pakwach.
The gear was received by Kyabakibi on behalf of the DRC government.
Rising Tensions on Lake Albert
Tensions between the two countries have simmered for years. Since 2018, suspected Congolese militiamen have repeatedly attacked Ugandan fishermen, resulting in deaths, kidnappings, and the loss of boats and gear.
In the most recent incident, armed men dressed in Congolese military uniform crossed into Ugandan waters near Senjojo landing site in Kyangwali sub-county, Kikuube district. They held six Ugandan fishermen at gunpoint, demanding boats, engines, and nets.
The UPDF responded swiftly, resulting in a gunfight that left two assailants dead. In April 2020, UPDF soldiers shot dead two suspected Congolese militiamen near Kaiso landing site in Hoima district, arrested five others, and recovered three AK-47 rifles with 47 rounds of ammunition.
In March 2021, 19 Ugandan boat engines were stolen, and 16 fishermen abducted. The victims were later released from Tchomia after reportedly paying a ransom of $50 each.
Local leaders now say that the lack of a clearly demarcated border between Uganda and DRC on Lake Albert is at the heart of the ongoing disputes.
They are urging both governments to expedite boundary demarcation efforts to end the longstanding friction and safeguard the livelihoods of thousands who depend on the lake for survival.
Related
