Tensions between fishing communities in Pallisa and Serere districts nearly turned deadly on Thursday after a mob in Onyara Village, Alosi Parish, Kateta Sub-county, Serere district, attempted to lynch over 100 residents from Obutet Sub-county in Gogonyo County, Pallisa district.
The confrontation is the latest episode in a series of unresolved fishing disputes between the two communities sharing a border lake.
The affected group from Obutet had reportedly crossed into Alosi to attend the burial of their grandchild, born to their daughter Adio Agnes.
However, what was meant to be a solemn occasion turned into a security crisis when some members of the Alosi community accused the visitors of being behind recent fishing clashes on the lake separating the two districts.
As tensions rose and the crowd turned hostile, police in Serere, in coordination with Gogonyo County MP aspirant Okoboi Joseph Opolot, intervened swiftly to prevent bloodshed.
Over 100 Obutet residents were safely evacuated and sheltered overnight at Olagara Pentecostal Assembly of God Church.
Eyewitnesses say the situation would have spiraled out of control had Okoboi not stepped in.
“We tried to reach our area MP Derrick Orone, but he did not respond,” said Osiaya Ben, one of the affected residents. “It was only when we contacted Mr. Okoboi that we saw real action.”
Speaking to the press after the incident, Okoboi confirmed his involvement and commended the police for acting promptly.
“These are Ugandans who had gone to mourn with their in-laws, not criminals. Mob justice must be condemned,” he said.
“I’m grateful to the Serere Police for their cooperation and swift response that saved lives.”
He called for urgent intervention from government bodies to resolve the longstanding tensions between the two fishing communities.
“This conflict has been simmering for far too long. It’s time for the government and local leaders to step in and create lasting peace,” he said.
Okoboi pledged to engage Serere District Woman MP and Minister of State for Fisheries, Hon. Hellen Adoa, to spearhead dialogue and enforcement of clear fishing boundaries to prevent future altercations.
He also urged leaders from both districts to hold joint community sensitization meetings aimed at restoring calm and promoting coexistence.
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