The UPDF Marine Unit has intensified patrols on Lake Albert.
For years, the shimmering expanse of Lake Albert was as much a site of fear as it was a source of livelihood. For the fishing communities in Kikuube District, the water was a frontier where the hum of a boat engine often signaled not a colleague, but the approach of armed Congolese militiamen.
However, as of March 2026, a significant shift in the security landscape has occurred. Following a strategic intensification of patrols by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Marine Unit, the tide has turned. Since January 2026, the Kikuube district has reported zero incidents of militia attacks, marking a historic milestone in regional maritime security.
A Legacy of Insecurity
To understand the weight of this current peace, one must look at the “reign of terror” that previously defined Lake Albert. Suspected militiamen from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)—often identified as Lendu or FRPI (Patriotic Resistance Force of Ituri) elements—operated with near-impunity. Their tactics were brutal and consistent:
- Asset Seizure: Armed men would hold Ugandan fishermen at gunpoint, robbing them of boat engines, nets, and solar batteries.
- Abductions: Fishermen were frequently kidnapped and taken across the border, with families forced to pay ransoms in US dollars to secure their release.
- Violence: Fatalities were common. Notable tragedies include the 2018 killing of seven fishermen near Kaiso and a fierce gun battle in November 2025 where the UPDF neutralized three attackers near Senjojo Landing Site.
These attacks did more than just steal equipment; they dismantled the local economy. Fearful of the water, many families in sub-counties like Kyangwali and Kabwoya faced starvation or were forced to abandon their ancestral trade entirely.
The Turning Point: Strategic Intensification
The shift began in late 2025 following a direct presidential directive to reform lake management. The former Fisheries Protection Unit (FPU) was restructured into the 155 Marines Battalion under the UPDF 15 Marines Brigade. This was not merely a change in name, but a shift in mission priority: transitioning from internal regulation to external defense.
Under the leadership of officers like Major Joseph Ssebukeera and Brigadier Michael Nyarwa, the Marine Unit implemented a multi-layered security strategy:
- 24/7 Surveillance: The frequency of patrols was increased, with marine vessels now visible on the horizon at all hours. This constant presence acts as a powerful deterrent against cross-border incursions.
- Rapid Response Teams: Strategic points like the Sebigoro and Nsunzu landing sites now serve as launchpads for rapid intervention. When suspicious vessels are spotted, the Marines can intercept them before they reach the fishing clusters.
- Cross-Border Diplomacy: While the patrols are firm, they are backed by diplomacy. Recent high-level meetings between UPDF and FARDC (DRC military) commanders at Kasindi Port have aimed at synchronizing marine coordination to ensure that “hot pursuits” do not trigger international incidents.
The Kikuube Success Story
The impact of these measures is most visible in Kikuube District. Local leaders, who were once the loudest voices crying for help, are now the primary witnesses to this newfound stability. Reginald Ngamita, the LCII Chairperson for Buhuka Parish, recently confirmed that the “daily raids” of the past have vanished. “Since January, we have not lost a single engine to the militia,” he stated, a sentiment echoed by Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Godwin Angalia.
This peace has brought an immediate economic “renaissance”:
- Fishermen Return: Thousands who had fled the lake due to insecurity are returning to the landing sites.
- Investment: With the risk of theft reduced, boat owners are once again investing in high-quality engines and gear.
- Community Trust: The relationship between the military and civilians has improved. Where once there was friction over fishing regulations, there is now a shared sense of purpose in defending the border.
Challenges and the Path Forward
Despite the current success, the UPDF remains cautious. The border on Lake Albert is “liquid” and porous, and the root causes of militia activity in the eastern DRC—political instability and resource competition—persist. RDC Angalia has consistently urged fishermen to remain vigilant reminding the community that security is a “shared responsibility.”
Furthermore, the government is looking beyond just armed patrols. President Museveni recently pledged funds to boost alternative livelihoods for fishing families, recognizing that economic resilience is the best long-term defense against external threats.
Conclusion
The silence of the guns on Lake Albert since January 2026 is a testament to the effectiveness of a well-resourced, strategically deployed marine force. For the people of Kikuube, the UPDF Marine Unit is no longer just a regulatory body; they are the guardians of the Albertine. As the sun sets over the water today, the fishermen of Kyangwali can cast their nets with the assurance that the only thing they have to worry about is the size of their catch.
