Unknown People Attempt to Vandalize Lambu Bridge

Fishermen and local leaders at Lambu landing site in Masaka district have blocked unidentified people from removing a ship on, which a make shift bridge connecting to the landing site is built.  The makeshift bridge is built on a grounded ship measuring about 80 meters at the old Bukakata Port under the East African Railways and Harbors Corporation.

Bukakata Port used to harbor ships and ferries that operated between Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi and Western Democratic Republic of Congo before its collapse in the 1960s. The makeshift bridge is the only link connecting Lambu landing site to the rest of Masaka district.

On Tuesday, a group of armed men attempted to dismantle the ship, which hosts the bridge, saying they had got authorisation from the Works and Transport Ministry. However, fishermen and local leaders moved in and blocked the men from dismantling the ship.

Charles Ntensibe, the LC I Chairman Lambu landing site, says they were not convinced with the claims of the men that they had received authorisation from the works ministry. Ntensibe argues that once the ship, which hosts the make shift bridge is removed, Lambu landing site will be cut off from the rest of the country.

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David Ochaya is the acting manager of Mpongo limited, which collects revenue at Lambu landing site. He says once the ship is removed it will paralyze transport in the area.

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Maurine Namugerwa, a businesswoman at Lambu landing site wants police to arrest the people who had started vandalizing this bridge.  According to Namugerwa, those who attempted to remove the ship masqueraded as state house agents.  

Moses Wamukoko, a fisherman at Lambu landing site accuses Aloysius Jjuko, the Bukakata Sub county LC 3 chairman of masterminding the sale of the ship.

According to Wamukoko, the men who attempted to dig up the ship presented a letter signed by Jjuuko authorizing them to remove it. However, Jjuko has distanced himself from the move, saying he isn't aware.

John Mwaule, the Masaka District Police Commander says he instructed police to stop the removal of the ship, saying it was being done illegally.

He says those who attempted to remove the ship couldn't identify themselves, adding that they are investigating the motive behind their action. No suspect has been arrested in connection to the move.