Kalangala woman legislator, Hellen Nakimuli, wants the Ministry of Internal Affairs to carry out special investigations into the activities of Tanzanian fishermen who are accused of engaging in the theft of fishing boat engines in Mazinga sub-county.

Nakimuli expressed her concern in a letter addressed to the Minister of Internal Affairs, Kahinda Otafiire.

"The locals note that theft is done by Tanzanian fishermen who border Uganda in Mazinga sub-county with help of some security operatives," Nakimuli’s letter said in part.

Fishing boats moored at Nkose landing site in Mazinga sub-county due to fear of boat engine theft. Photo by Samuel Nkuba

She further noted that many of the stolen engines were traced to Bukoba in Tanzania which has created tension among islanders in Mazinga.

While speaking to New Vision last month, Anthony Amanya, the Southern Lake Victoria Regional Police Commander, said that investigations into the matter had commenced but that no suspect was arrested nor any engine recovered.

Nakimuli asked Otafiire to deploy special officers to investigate circumstances under which fishermen are attacked while on their fishing expeditions by armed pirates.