The army and police in Masaka have set up of a joint monitoring unit to combat piracy on Lake Victoria.
The establishment of the joint monitoring unit comes two weeks after fishermen in Rakai appealed for government protection from pirates.
There has been a sharp increase in piracy on Lake Victoria in the past month. Several fishermen have reportedly been killed and property worth millions stolen by the pirates believed to originate from Bukoba in Tanzania.
The Masaka Armored Brigade Commander, Col. James Mugira, says the Armored Brigade has agreed to work with police to intensify patrols on Lake Victoria and safeguard the islands from suspected pirates.
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The Southern Region police commander, Fred Ssekiwere, says the joint unit will be empowered and equipped to protect against. He says efforts by the police Marine unit to ensure safety on Lake Victoria have been frustrated by limited personnel.
