Bribery Allegations Stoke Tensions Between Police and Fishermen in Kalangala

Deepening mistrust has emerged at Kisaba Landing Site in Kalangala District, where residents are levelling serious accusations of extortion against local police and fisheries enforcement officials. The core of the dispute centers on allegations that these officials solicit bribes from individuals involved in prohibited activities, such as illegal silverfish (mukene) fishing and charcoal burning in protected forest reserves.

Adding to the residents’ frustration, some claim that even after paying bribes, they are subsequently arrested, and their confiscated property is sometimes taken by the very officials who accepted the initial payment. John Mukasa, a local resident, recounted witnessing a senior police officer confiscating charcoal from individuals who had allegedly paid to be allowed to engage in the activity. Mukasa stated he saw the officer in a private forest arresting people and seizing their charcoal, even after he himself had reportedly paid a bribe.

Further fueling the anger, Sulaiman Milimu shared his experience of being arrested and detained after failing to meet a police officer’s demand for Shs200,000. He alleged that after eventually paying the money, his charcoal was confiscated, and he was forced to pay an additional Shs200,000 for his release.

The accusations extend to the Kisaba Landing Site Fisheries Committee, with residents claiming some members also extort money. Sulaiman Sakaaza alleged that a police officer solicits bribes and then directs committee members to arrest the fishermen. These alleged corrupt practices have fostered a climate of distrust, leading to threats against enforcement personnel and raising fears of further escalation.

In response, Kalangala District Police Commander Hillary Nuwahereza called for calm, suggesting that both residents and enforcement officers might be at fault. He warned residents against offering bribes, emphasizing that it is a criminal offense. The Assistant RDC, Kajubi Twahika Kironde, also issued a stern warning to the fisheries committee members against demanding money, stating that any found soliciting bribes would face arrest and prosecution.

These tensions arise amidst ongoing efforts by authorities to curb environmental damage and protect fisheries resources in Kalangala. Many residents feel that restrictions on fishing have negatively impacted their livelihoods, pushing some towards charcoal burning as an alternative income source.

Source: https://www.monitor.ug/uganda/news/national/bribery-claims-deepen-police-fishermen-tensions-5596122