Three fishermen are feared to have lost their lives in Lake Albert as they sought to evade arrest by the Fisheries Protection Unit (FPU) during a suspected illegal fishing operation.
The incident occurred when the UPDF unit attempted to apprehend them while conducting fishing activities along the lake. Upon the FPU’s intervention, the fishermen fled and plunged into the water.
On Wednesday, four individuals, namely Richard Onen (25), Samson Jatho (35), Godfrey Obedirwoth (28), and Muzamil Jakisa, associated with Mbegu B landing site in Kabale sub-county, engaged in a fishing expedition.
The FPU personnel, led by Corporal Siraj Katosi, patrolling the lake apprehended them, alleging the use of illegal fishing gear. Subsequently, the suspects were taken to the FPU detach at Kasio landing site.
While on the lake, all suspects reportedly jumped into the waters of Lake Albert to evade detention. Jakisa managed to swim to the shores, as stated by the FPU.
However, the remaining three, Richard Onen, Samson Jatho, and Godfrey Obedirwoth, are suspected to have drowned. Moses Onen, the LCI chairperson for Mbegu B landing site, reported the recovery of Onen’s body near the Mbegu landing site on Thursday, November 9. Regrettably, the bodies of the other two men remain missing.
LCI chairperson Moses Onen revealed the search efforts conducted by local fishermen, confirming the retrieval of one body while the search continues for the remaining two. Julius Hakiza, the Albertine region Police spokesperson, stated that marine police, along with fishermen, are collaborating in the ongoing search for the two missing bodies.
