The state minister for Defence Col. Charles Engola has issued a strong warning to Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) soldiers guarding water bodies to desist from mistreating and torturing fishermen.
In 2017, following reports about the declining fish stock on Lake Victoria as a result of illegal fishing practices, President Museveni ordered the deployment of UPDF soldiers at all major landing sites.
Since then, many people, in particular, the fishermen have come out raising their concerns to the authorities about allegations of torture imposed on them by UPDF with the most recent incident happening this year where about 68 people came out to sue the government, demanding Shs1.2 trillion in compensation.
In 2018, another incident where Marines of the UPDF tortured people living on the Islands of Buvuma, Buyende and Nakasongola was reported. This prompted the Speaker of Parliament, Rebecca Kadaga to come and express concerns over these allegations.
In the process, she asked the Ministers of Agriculture, Finance and the leadership of the marines to highlight on the laws that were implemented on the fishing communities.
However, according to the defence minister, they have received the allegations since then but they are still analysing it to get the exact truth adding that torturing of locals is against the principles and laws of UPDF and that they are very determined to ensure it is stopped.
“There are few individuals among UPDF who are doing that nonsense of torture and that is why we are here now we have to stop them,” Engola said before insisting that they were directed to these water bodies to maintain peace and not to impose harm to locals.
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Fishermen particularly those located on Lake Kyoga and Lake Kwania, say the UPDF soldiers have denied them their right to freedom as well as stopped them from gaining economically something they claim has not only affected them but their families as well.
Other landing sites where fishermen have of recent raised same concerns include; Namasale, Mbiko, Kayago, Nalubwoyo, Abeja, Amai and Muntu, all in Amolatar District
Following continuous reports that involved a one Cyrus Mwesigye who claimed he was subjected to heavy beating by the army that resulted to swellings on his ears, head including his butt.
“I was hurt and I cannot sit, there is swelling on my behind part, the ears and the head all swollen and as you can see there is nothing I can do. I am in pain, “Mwesigye cried out in discomfort.
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By John Dalton Kigozi
