Amolatar district chairman denies allegation of prompting disunity among locals and security

By Denis Okello (denis.okello@vol.co.ug)

Amolatar

Amolatar district chairman Geoffrey Ocen has trashed allegations made by the Resident District Commissioner of Amolatar, accusing politicians in the district of fanning disagreement between locals and security.

Recently the Resident district commissioner of Amolatar Francis Okello Rwotlonyo accused some politicians of Amolatar giving wrong information to locals which has resulted in conflict between locals and soldiers from the Fisheries Protection Unit.

He also denied reports that fishermen were being mistreated by soldiers manning operations against illegal fishing on Lake Kyoga, but added that they are planning to meet commanders of the Fisheries Protection Unit to discuss better ways to fight illegal fishing.

Geoffrey Ocen the LCV chairman of Amolatar said as leaders, they cannot keep quiet when their people are suffering.

Ocen said some six fishermen were last Saturday arrested and detained at Nakasongola police station and he found them with injuries upon visiting them.

He asked government to take action against soldiers implicated in mistreatment of fishermen.

Last week, state minister for northern Uganda, Dr Kenneth Omona visited Amolatar to represent Prime Minister Robinah Nabanjja at the commissioning of Nalibwoyo HCIII.

He said the president plans to use the services of the elders in areas surrounding Lakes to man operations against illegal fishing.

Ocen said this could curb allegations of harassment of fishermen by the fisheries protection unit.

In the recent development , leaders in sub-region called for a speedy withdrawal of the UPDF Fisheries Protection Unit that is currently enforcing fishing regulations on Lake Kyoga saying this is barring locals from fishing.

They accused the force of being involved in cases of torture that has claimed several of lives on the lake.