Uganda Protests to DR Congo over Border Police Killings

Uganda has sent an official complaint to neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo after four police officers were shot dead on a lake between the neighbors, the foreign ministry said Tuesday.

The Ugandan police officers were in a patrol boat investigating reports of illegal fishing on Lake Albert on Saturday when gunmen opened fire. Uganda has blamed DR Congo troops for the killing.

"The four police officers were on official duty on Lake Albert within the territorial sphere of Uganda," foreign affairs minister Henry Okello Oryem said. "They were killed in line of duty and their bodies were taken by the DRC authorities."

DR Congo officials have not responded to a request seeking comment.

Tensions have risen between security forces along the lake in recent years, with each side detaining soldiers and police from the other.

"The government has requested that a meeting of security chiefs of both states be held urgently," Oryem said.

"We have made it clear, in future these incidents may compel Uganda to take self-defense measures including hot pursuit of those responsible."