The Minister of State for Fisheries, Hellen Adoa has lauded the efforts of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces’ (UPDF) Marines in securing Ugandan fishermen from aggression by criminals who operated on the waters of Lake Albert.
The minister made the remarks while on a tour to assess the extent of damage caused by floods on the communities living along the shores of Lake Albert, on Butiaba, Walukuba, Runga and Kaiso landing sites.
“The UPDF has ably coordinated with their Congolese counterparts to foster good neighbourliness. In this way, and through intensified operations on the waters of Lake Albert, they have by far addressed the longstanding problem of Ugandan fishermen being aggressed by some people,” said Adoa.
Adoa noted that the organised armed gangs used to confiscate the fishing gear of Ugandan fisherman or kidnap the fishermen for ransom.
She assured the people of the government’s resolve to support them in mitigating the effects of the floods.
Meanwhile the UPDF Marine Brigade Commander, Brig Gen Michael Nyarwa, reiterated UPDF’s Commitment in securing the fishermen.
He further emphasized the need for continued collaboration between the community and UPDF as well as timely information sharing with the security forces
He also warned of some people impersonating as UPDF Marines to extort money from fishermen.
“Be informed that UPDF services are never for a fee and we do not ask for facilitation from the public to perform our duties. Exoneration of persons suspected in crime too is for no charge. Kindly report to us anyone trying ask for any material thing from you in exchange for a favour or service,” Brig Gen Nyarwa