Uganda, DR Congo MPs Clash Over Fishermen’s Detention

(Kampala) – Members of Parliament from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have assured their Ugandan counterparts that they are working to resolve the issue of Ugandans, especially fishermen, currently detained in DRC prisons. The discussions took place during a meeting in Kampala on Thursday, where both sides acknowledged the challenge posed by detainees on both sides of the border.

The head of the Congolese delegation, Lambart Mende Omalanga, informed Ugandan lawmakers that the matter of detained Ugandan fishermen was being addressed at the highest levels of government, particularly by the DRC’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He also highlighted that over 160 Congolese nationals are currently being held in Uganda, noting that the issue is not one-sided.

“The issue of arrested fishermen is not for Uganda alone. Our people are also here in prisons. But we are handling the matter,” Omalanga stated.

The Ugandan Foreign Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Vincent Bagiire, confirmed that more than 100 Ugandans are currently incarcerated by the DRC government, adding that the matter continues to be a focus for Ugandan officials.

The delegation from DRC is in Uganda to foster stronger relations between the two nations’ parliaments and to discuss broader diplomatic matters, including peace, the East African Community (EAC) federation, trade, and border issues.

Uganda’s MP Muwada Nkunyingi (Kyadondo East) raised concerns during the meeting about the ongoing plight of Ugandan detainees, particularly the conditions they are facing in DRC prisons.

“As we enter into EAC, cases of detainees will continue to pose challenges and also affect our relationship. We know that our people are rotting in jail and being starved,” Nkunyingi said.

In response, Omalanga pledged to bring the concerns to the DRC’s Minister of Foreign Affairs for further action and discussed possible solutions.

On the issue of Ugandan fishermen’s arrests, former governor of North Kivu, Carly Nzanzu, defended the actions of DRC authorities, stating that those arrested had committed crimes. He emphasized that the DRC also has detainees in Uganda, and the two countries are working together to resolve the matter.

“It is not true that we are just arresting Ugandans. Those in prison committed crimes. But Uganda has also arrested our people, about 160 Congolese are in Ugandan prisons. We are handling this matter and shall address it with the Minister of Justice,” Nzanzu remarked.

Another point of contention raised by Nkunyingi was the delay in accrediting a Ugandan ambassador to DRC. The issue of high visa fees imposed by DRC was also highlighted as a concern for Ugandan nationals. Nkunyingi asked the Congolese delegation for clarification on the delay in accreditation and urged both nations to work towards a solution to these diplomatic challenges.

“Your coming to Uganda allows us to exchange issues at the Parliamentary level. Good relations and peace in the region will benefit both of us, but can we be told why DRC has delayed accrediting a Ugandan ambassador in Kinshasa?” Nkunyingi questioned.

Uganda, DR Congo MPs Discuss Detention of Ugandans in Kinshasa