The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Namayingo, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The Uganda People’s Defense Forces-UPDF marine has impounded several illegal fishing gear and arrested at least 26 fishermen in Namayingo district.
The impounded fishing gear includes 15 boats and over 200 undersized fishing nets. They were impounded in the three days operation that started last Friday in different landing sites of Singila, Kandege, Maninga, Gorofa and Yebe, all in Namayingo district.
Capt. Jacob Obbo, the UPDF marine commander in-charge of Eastern region port Victoria says that they have embarked on the crackdown against illegal fishing practices in the water bodies to stop errant fishermen who have failed to abide by the government policies.
Jonah Godfrey Mbigititi, the Namayingo deputy resident district commissioner says that they have a challenge that some illegal fishermen go into hiding on the Kenyan side.
Fahad Muluga and Maurice Wandera, among other suspects who were arrested for illegal fishing at Kandege landing site say that they had gone in the lake to get some fish to feed their families and get money to enable them get home based necessities.
Ronald Sanya, the L.C 5 chairman Namayingo district says that the illegal fishing practice has reduced on the local government revenue collection. According to Sanya, most parts of Namayingo are covered by Lake Victoria waters and it’s the main source of revenue by taxing traders who do fishing activities.
Peter Okeyo Babu, the Bukholi Island Member of Parliament says that they want government to empower residents in the area with fish farming methods by use of ponds and cage fish farming as the best alternative to reduce illegal fish practices in the water bodies. He also appealed to fishermen to use recommended fishing gear.
The impounded illegal fishing gear has been kept in the police store and the 26 suspects arrested are still in custody at the Namayingo central police station waiting to appear in court.
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