Security authorities in Kasese district have returned the fishing equipment seized from Congolese fishermen. The returned equipment includes nine boat engines and an unspecified number of fishing boats.
These were confiscated in different operations on Lake Edward over the last three years.
In September last year, Uganda also returned over 206 DRC boat engines and 162 fuel tanks that the Uganda Fisheries Protection Unit (FPU) had impounded in various operations to curb illegal fishing on the Ugandan side of the lake, which strides both countries.
Kasese Resident District Commissioner-RDC, Lt. Joe Walusimbi, says that they decided to return the fishing gear as a gesture of reciprocation to maintain a good relationship with the neighboring DR. Congo community.
He, however, warned that this act should not be taken for granted and requested that the Congolese authorities deter their fishermen from illegally entering Ugandan waters.
Julius Ankunda, the commander of the Fisheries Protection Unit, said the gesture shows the commitment of the two sister countries towards cementing their security and business ties along the lake. He added that they will maintain vigilance to ensure the lake is safe for the benefit of both countries.
John Bosco Kananura, the chairperson of the Katwe Kabatoro town council, said the move was in fulfillment of bilateral engagements between Presidents Felix Tshisekedi and Yoweri Museveni aimed at solidifying the relations between the two sister states.
He said that since the FPU stepped up its operations, the lake has increasingly become productive and safe for Ugandan fishermen.
Mbusa Kavasi, the chairperson of Congolese fishermen on Lake Edward, applauded the gesture of both governments, adding that many fishermen had lost hope of recovering their equipment.
