A Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) officer from the Fisheries Protection Unit (FPU) has reportedly been killed by fishermen during an operation targeting illegal fishing on Lake Kyoga.
The slain officer, Private Bedwin Mugisha Oyat—originally from Payuta Village, Awach Sub-county in Gulu District—was stationed at the Namasale detachment. He was part of a mission cracking down on unlawful fishing practices in the waters between Bukungu (Buyende District) and Namasale (Amolatar District).
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According to FPU spokesperson Lt. Reuben Ndifula, Oyat is believed to have been fatally struck from behind with a boat paddle by one of two suspects who were found with banned fishing equipment and immature fish.
“We suspect one of the suspects hit him from behind with an oar and then threw him into the lake,” said Lt Ndifula. “Efforts are underway to apprehend the culprits and charge them with murder.”
He cautioned fishermen against violent confrontations with enforcement officers and urged them to comply with the law.
“Despite continued sensitization on the FPU Act, some fishermen on Lake Kyoga have become increasingly confrontational,” he noted.
Agnes Akello, chairperson of the Biko Landing Site in Amolatar District, praised the late Private Oyat as a committed and disciplined officer.
“His killers must be tracked down and brought to justice,” she said. “It’s tragic that he lost his life while carrying out his duty.”
Oyat’s body was recovered and returned to his family for burial.
The FPU has been conducting enforcement operations on Uganda’s lakes since 2017, following a directive from President Museveni to curb illegal fishing, conserve fish stocks, and boost national fish exports.
This incident occurs amid rising friction between local fishing communities and the FPU, which has faced frequent accusations of heavy-handedness and is under growing pressure to withdraw from national water bodies.
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