Africa-Press – Uganda. Uganda has returned 56 fishing boats and 184 outboard engines to the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo, marking a diplomatic thaw in cross-border tensions over illegal fishing on Lake Edward.
The gesture, made on orders from President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, was carried out at two landing sites—Kayanja in Kasese District and Rwenshama in Rukungiri.
The handover followed months of quiet engagement between Kampala and Kinshasa after the Fisheries Protection Unit (FPU) impounded the equipment from Congolese fishermen operating in Ugandan waters without authorisation.
It was coordinated by the FPU under Lt. Col. Mercy Tukahirwe, in what Ugandan officials described as a demonstration of goodwill and a push for peaceful coexistence.
“These items were impounded from Congolese nationals who were fishing illegally in Ugandan waters,” said Lt. David Wabukya, FPU’s Intelligence Officer.
“However, following diplomatic engagements between our two countries, President Museveni directed us to return the equipment to foster regional peace and cooperation.”
But even as the boats were handed over, Ugandan officials issued a firm warning.
“We warn our Congolese brothers to desist from fishing in Ugandan waters,” Lt Wabukya said.
“While we promote unity and brotherhood, Uganda’s territorial integrity must be respected.”
Maj Joseph Cherop of the FPU called the gesture a sign of mutual interest in long-term stability.
“This function is not just about returning boats. It is about enhancing working relationships between Uganda and the DR Congo. It is a signal of peace, dialogue, and understanding.”
Col Charles Omenyonga, who received the equipment on behalf of the Congolese government, expressed gratitude and underscored the diplomatic tone of the handover.
“We thank the Government of Uganda for this noble gesture,” he said.
“It’s a demonstration of the brotherhood between our two nations and a commitment to resolving issues diplomatically.”
Local leaders at the handover emphasised the importance of shared responsibility in managing Lake Edward, a major fishing ground that straddles the Uganda-DR Congo border.
Kasese Resident District Commissioner Lt Joe Walusimbi urged Congolese authorities to enforce stronger regulation on their side of the lake to prevent further incidents.
“We appeal to our Congolese counterparts to strengthen regulations and laws to ensure responsible fishing,” he said.
“It is vital for the sustainable management of this shared resource.”
While previous tensions have sometimes escalated into arrests and retaliations along the border, both governments appear to be steering toward a more cooperative model.
The return of the boats comes just weeks after regional leaders renewed commitments to cross-border security and trade facilitation, including efforts to demarcate contested fishing zones.
For communities dependent on the lake, the agreement may signal relief after years of uncertainty.
Fishermen on both sides have complained of harassment, confiscation of equipment, and at times, unclear boundaries on the shared waters of Lake Edward and Lake Albert.
The returned equipment is expected to allow many Congolese fishermen to resume work—legally—under the watch of new bilateral coordination mechanisms that have been quietly developing between the two nations.
Ugandan authorities say ongoing patrols will continue to monitor illegal fishing while promoting sensitisation campaigns to help both Ugandan and Congolese fishing communities understand the limits and obligations under cross-border cooperation agreements.
The symbolic gesture, observers note, falls in line with Uganda’s broader diplomatic tone in the Great Lakes region.
President Museveni has in recent years positioned himself as a stabilising figure in regional politics, hosting summits on DR Congo’s internal conflicts and backing East African Community peace efforts.
While the handover does not solve deeper tensions, it offers a reprieve and a model for non-military resolution of disputes in a region where small-scale cross-border conflicts often spiral quickly.
Leaders from both countries said the initiative was only the beginning of closer ties on issues ranging from fisheries to border security, and trade.
Ugandan and Congolese officials are expected to meet again later this year to assess progress and review enforcement of shared fishing guidelines under regional frameworks.
For More News And Analysis About Uganda Follow Africa-Press
