Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have agreed to strengthen joint security operations on Lake Edward following a deadly attack by suspected Congolese militia that killed a Ugandan response team commander.
The agreement was reached during a high-level meeting at Kasindi Port in eastern DRC’s Beni territory, attended by top military officials from both countries.
UPDF Mountain Division Commander Stephen Mugerwa, UPDF Second Infantry Division Deputy Commander James Kasule, and FARDC Northern Front-Kivu Commander Joseph Mugisa Muleka discussed measures to enhance coordination between the Uganda Peoples’ Defense Forces (UPDF) and the Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC) along the lake.
According to UPDF spokesperson Kiconco Tabaro, the delegations agreed to:
• Conduct joint patrols on Lake Edward.
• Hold regular security and fisheries coordination meetings.
• Sensitize fishing communities along the lake to improve safety.
Commander Mugerwa emphasized the importance of a permanent coordination committee to oversee collaboration and resolve disputes between the two forces.
“Marine commanders should meet regularly. There is a need for a committee that will always convene to resolve issues and strengthen our cooperation,” Mugerwa said.
During the meeting, Mugerwa handed over five submachine guns, two light machine guns, 17 loaded magazines, and two boxes of ammunition recovered from the attackers to FARDC officials.
The weapons were recovered following the October 1 attack at Rweshama Landing Site in Uganda’s western Rukungiri District, where armed men killed a response team commander and robbed fishermen.
The joint security efforts form part of “Operation Shujaa”, a coordinated campaign launched in November 2021 by Uganda and the DRC against the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels operating in North Kivu and Ituri provinces in eastern DRC.
The new measures are expected to improve maritime security, prevent future attacks on fishing communities, and enhance cross-border cooperation between Uganda and the DRC.
This agreement marks a significant step in regional security collaboration, ensuring safer fishing activities on Lake Edward while continuing the fight against insurgent groups in the area.
