By Tracy Akoragye,
RUKUNGIRI
Two fishermen of Uganda nation have been confirmed dead after they were reportedly shot dead by the Congolese soldiers last week.
Sunday Moses, 22, a resident of Rumira village in Bugangari subcounty and Namanya Innocent, 26, a resident of Kyehunde village in Bwanbara subcounty both in Rukungiri district, were allegedly killed by Congolese soldiers while fishing in Kagezi area part of Lake Edward in DRC area.
Police preliminary report indicates that the duo was part of a group of five fishermen who had set off to Lake Edward on July 8, 2024.
“On July 11, 2024, the group was approached by Congolese soldiers, who started firing bullets, causing the fishermen to run for their lives. When they regrouped, Namanya Innocent and Sunday Moses were missing,” said ASP Elly Maate, the Kigezi region police spokesperson on Monday.
Families of the victims with the help of the residents mounted a search for the victims’ bodies and were recovered on July 15, 2024, along the shores of Lake Edward in the Kagezi area.
Police recorded statements from survivors and a post-mortem examination has also been conducted.
Maate added that they have launched an investigation into the incident. Residents are calling for increased security measures to protect Ugandan fishermen on Lake Edward.
