Soroti Fish Traders Protest Alleged UPDF Assault and Seizure of Goods

Dozens of smoked fish traders in Soroti City took to the streets on Wednesday, converging at the city council headquarters to voice their grievances. The women claim to have been assaulted by Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) soldiers during a recent enforcement operation, which also resulted in the seizure of their fish, money, and other valuables.

The traders, many of whom are single mothers, expressed distress over their lost income. They explained that their livelihoods depend on the daily sales of smoked fish, with some facing significant challenges in repaying loans that require daily installments. “Where will I go? Where will I find the money to pay back the loan?” lamented Beatrice Elilu, an affected trader who reportedly lost Shs1 million worth of fish.

Another trader, Jane Alupo, recounted being hit with a gun by a soldier, highlighting the harshness of the operation. The women are pleading with city authorities to intervene and provide them with a designated, safe trading area where they can conduct their business without fear of harassment from enforcement teams.

In response to the protest, Francis Mukasa Katerega, officer in charge of operations at Soroti Central Police Station, apologized for the alleged mistreatment and urged traders to formally report any incidents of money confiscation, requesting they identify the perpetrators. He assured the traders that efforts are underway to recover the confiscated fish and that authorities are working on identifying a suitable trading zone, with announcements to be made via radio.

Soroti City Deputy Mayor Hellen Amongin also appealed for calm, urging the traders to engage constructively with the city council rather than resorting to self-harm, referencing Ms. Elilu’s despairing statement. The traders remain firm in their demand for a secure trading space to ensure their economic survival.

This report is based on information from Daily Monitor.