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Kalangala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Nation Oil Distributors Limited, the operators of MV Kalangala have suspended the transportation of smoked fish. Sadala Musoke, the CEO Nation Oil Distributors Limited, says the decision is in response to a presidential directive.
The suspension comes a week after the Fisheries Protection Unit-FPU impounded a government vehicle transporting immature smoked fish from Kalangala. This morning, fishmongers were surprised to find police officers on MV Kalangala checking all the cargo before it is loaded.
All travellers with smoked fish were blocked from accessing the ferry ship not until they surrendered the fish to security operatives at the docking pier in Lutoboka. Transporting a box of smoked fish on the ferry from Lutoboka to Nakiwogo has been costing between Shillings 3000 and 5000 depending on its size.
However, Musoke describes the transportation of the fish on the vessel as defiance of the presidential directive. He also says today’s operation was spearheaded by police, which has the mandate to check and stop fish traders from transporting immature fish on the vessel.
Fish traders in Lutoboka told URN on condition of anonymity that the suspension is a blow to their business and wellbeing of their families.
“We have been able to earn from transporting smoked fish without interference on the vessel. This is a total blow to our business despite being illegal,” one of the residents.
Fishing smoking is illegal, according to FPU because it even involves immature fish.
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