By Musiimenta Shanitah
Kampala, Uganda – The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has confirmed the death of Sergeant Johnson Muhindo in a violent exchange of fire on Lake Edward, along the Uganda-Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) border.
The incident occurred on October 1 near the Rweshama landing site in Rukungiri district.
According to the UPDF, the soldiers responded to a distress call from Ugandan fishermen who were being robbed on the lake. Upon arrival, the UPDF team came under heavy gunfire, resulting in the death of Sgt Muhindo.
The soldiers returned fire, prompting the attackers to abandon their canoe and flee into the lake, where some of them drowned.
The UPDF recovered several items from the scene, including two light machine guns, five submachine guns, a 25-horsepower boat engine, and the attackers’ canoe. Investigations are ongoing to identify the armed group and their motive.
Maj Kiconco Tabaro, public information officer for the UPDF 2nd Infantry Division, urged residents around Rweshama to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies.
He assured the public that the overall security situation remains stable and that tourism activities, including those in Queen Elizabeth National Park, are continuing normally.
The border area on the DRC side of Lake Edward remains volatile, with the presence of M23 rebels and Mai-Mai militias.This incident echoes a similar clash in July 2018, which left several people dead and injured.
The UPDF maintains that its forces acted in self-defence, while the DRC has accused Uganda of aggression.
The UPDF has promised to continue working with security agencies to maintain peace and stability in the region.
Have An Advert Or Article You Want Us To Publish? Whatsapp: +256786288379 or email binocularugnews@gmail.com
