Uganda, DR Congo armies hold talks over Lake Edward shooting incident
On October 1, the UPDF response team was deployed at the Rwenshama landing site in Rukungiri district to probe attacks on fishermen. Upon approaching the scene, the team came under heavy fire from unknown gunmen. Staff Sergeant Muhindo Johnson, commander of the response team, was shot and died from injuries sustained during the attack.
______________
Senior officers of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) have held a meeting aimed at strengthening coordination of security operations on Lake Edward, following a fatal shooting incident earlier this month.
On October 1, the UPDF response team was deployed at the Rwenshama landing site in Rukungiri district to probe attacks on fishermen. Upon approaching the scene, the team came under heavy fire from unknown gunmen. Staff Sergeant Muhindo Johnson, commander of the response team, was shot and died from injuries sustained during the attack.
On Thursday, October 16, representatives of the two armies held a meeting at Kasindi Port in Beni, Eastern DRC, to discuss the tense situation.
The UPDF Mountain Division Commander, Maj. Gen. Stephen Mugerwa, the UPDF 2 Infantry Division Deputy Commander, Col James Kasule, and the FARDC Sector Commander for the Northern Front – Kivu I, Brig. Gen. Mugisa Muleka Joseph was among the senior officers at the meeting.
Discussions focused on enhancing joint security mechanisms and establishing regular coordination between marine forces operating on Lake Edward to prevent similar incidents in the future, according to a statement released by Maj. Kiconco Tabaro, the UPDF 2 Infantry Division Public Relations Officer.
Way forward
Emphasizing the importance of structured collaboration, Maj. Gen. Mugerwa called for the creation of a joint committee to oversee coordination and regular engagements between the two forces.
“There is a need for a committee that will always convene to resolve issues and strengthen our cooperation. Additionally, Marine commanders should meet regularly," he added.
Brig. Gen. Mugisa underscored the strong and enduring partnership between the two forces, noting that both countries face shared security challenges.
“FARDC and UPDF have a permanent bond and will continue to cooperate because we face common challenges,” he stated.
The delegations agreed on several measures to enhance cooperation, including joint patrols on Lake Edward, regular security and fisheries coordination meetings, and sensitisation of fishing communities along the lake’s shore.
At the same event, Maj. Gen. Mugerwa handed over five submachine guns, two light machine guns, 17 fully loaded SMG magazines, and two boxes of light machine gun ammunition to FARDC officials.
He also confirmed that the boat and a 25-horsepower engine involved in the incident would be collected by the Congolese side within the week.