Security agencies in Pakwach District have arrested seven people, including senior local officials, in an operation targeting alleged extortion and illegal fishing activities in Dei Sub-county.
The suspects were arrested on Monday during a joint intelligence-led operation and are being detained at Pakwach Central Police Station.
Among those arrested are the Dei Gombolola Internal Security Officer, the Officer in Charge of Dei Police Station, a district councillor, a fisheries officer and three residents.
Pakwach Resident District Commissioner Stephen Nsubuga Bewayo said the arrests followed months of complaints from residents over alleged systematic extortion.
Mr Nsubuga said Shs800,000 was recovered from the suspects. The money was allegedly being collected for a fisheries sector commander to facilitate illegal fishing on Lake Albert.
Authorities also allege that some residents were charged between Shs2,000 and Shs5,000 when crossing the border.
West Nile Regional Police spokesperson Josephine Angucia confirmed the arrests and said investigations were ongoing.
Police have not yet disclosed when the suspects will appear in court.
The operation comes amid continued efforts to tackle illegal fishing and alleged bribery involving fisheries enforcement officers around Lake Albert and other water bodies in the region.
