Tanzanian pirates terrorizing Ugandans on Ssese islands

Residents of Nkose, Lujjabwa, Kuye and Kikwiri in Mazinga sub county in Kalangala district have called upon the government to intervene as soon as possible to stop pirates from Tanzania who are terrorizing the people of Ssese islands.

The pirates are reportedly from Ukara, Ukerewe, Musomo and Rubondo islands all in Tanzanian territory.

Stephen Kyeyune chairperson LC 1 Nkose Katoke said that, his area has faced the problem of pirates for a very long time because there aren't strict security checks for Tanzanians that enter Uganda while using Lake Victoria.

"There is need to tighten security on the water borders, these people just come here anyhow. After stealing and killing our people, it's easy for them to run away and go back to Tanzania," Kyeyune said.

 He added that, the pirates attack fishermen at night while fishing.

Nkose police post found at the Uganda-Tanzanian border. Photo by Denis Mubiru

"Over 500 boat engines have been stolen by Tanzanian pirates and this has left a number of people dead, some have gone missing and we think these pirates drown them after taking their boat engines," Kyeyune said.

Proscovia Nakyejwe of Milindi landing site on Kuye Island said her husband Ogwang went missing last year when he went fishing. His boat was recovered but with no engine and fish nets

"I have a feeling that my husband was attacked and later drowned by these people. He's not the only person whom we have lost in such circumstances," Nakywejwe said.

One of the officers at Nkose police post, who spoke on condition of anonymity said that the complaints about pirates are valid but added that they lack manpower and equipment like marine boats to patrol the waters.

Kalangala District has one marine boat that is only kept at Lutoboka Bay in Kalangala town council, with limited resources like fuel to move all over Kalangala district.