The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Kampala, Uganda | AFP & INDEPENDENT REPORTER |
The Government of Uganda has protested the killing of four policemen along Lake Albert and an official protest note has been sent to the Democratic Republic of Congo. Uganda is also demanding compensation.
“If there was a problem with our patrol police or fishermen, they should have reported to the relevant authorities. We therefore demand for justice and compensation,” Uganda’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs Henry Okello Oryem said on Monday afternoon in Kampala.
Tweets (below) from a joint press conference by Uganda Police and Ministry of Foreign Affairs
@IGPUGANDA: The incident happened when our officers were patrolling on the Ugandan side
— Uganda Police Force (@PoliceUg) May 23, 2016
@IGPUGANDA: The patroll was in response to reports of illegal fishing from the Congolese.
— Uganda Police Force (@PoliceUg) May 23, 2016
@IGPUGANDA: According to eye witnesses, there were four boats carrying soldiers that attacked our officers
— Uganda Police Force (@PoliceUg) May 23, 2016
Statement issued by @GovUganda on the #DRCongo situation. Our deepest condolences to the families of the deceased. pic.twitter.com/bp0lPw2y9X
— Uganda Police Force (@PoliceUg) May 23, 2016
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Gunmen killed four Ugandan policemen on a lake bordering Democratic Republic of Congo, an officer said Monday, blaming Congolese troops for the shooting.
The Ugandan police officers were in a patrol boat investigating reports of illegal fishing on Lake Albert on Saturday when gunmen opened fire.
“Four of our officers were shot and killed by the DRC army on Saturday night while responding to a call of illegal fishing,” regional police chief Denis Namuwoza said. “The DRC troops confiscated our boat.”
It was not possible to verify who the gunmen were and authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo did not immediately respond to a request seeking comment.
Tensions have risen between security forces along the lake in recent years, with each side detaining soldiers and police from the other, Uganda’s Daily Monitor said.
