Uganda deports 46 Congolese fishermen arrested over suspected militia links

KAMPALA, June 1 (Xinhua) -- Uganda has deported 46 Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) fishermen who were arrested over suspected links with a militia group that captured six Ugandans last month, said a military spokesman on Friday.

Brig. Richard Karemire told Xinhua that the Congolese fishermen have been handed to the DRC authorities at the common border town of Kasese late on Thursday.

The deportation came merely hours following a court decision in Kasese to release the fishermen and give back their fishing boats and engines, after each of them paid an 83-U.S.-dollar fine.

The fishermen were arrested on May 19 on Lake Edward, shared by Uganda and DRC. The authorities accused them of having links with the Mai Mai militia, a rebel group based in eastern DRC.

"This is a good will gesture by Uganda that should be reciprocated to by releasing the six Ugandan fishermen held in the DRC," said Karemire

"DRC authorities should exert influence or pressure that should lead to their freedom," he added.

Karemire said security agencies have stepped up water patrols on the Ugandan side of the shared lake to stop further abductions.

Fishery and security officials of both countries have previously agreed to conduct joint operations to prevent clashes. Enditem