The Fisheries Directorate of the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) together with the Fisheries Protection Unit (FPU) of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) are set to heighten the fight against illegal fishing practices across different fresh water bodies in the country.
This was revealed by Innocent Mugabi, a Fisheries Inspector while burning at least 600Kgs of immature fish on Thursday at Bugonga, Entebbe Municipality in Wakiso District.
The immature fish impounded in Masaka District en route to the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo last week was found unfit for human consumption and destroyed on the advice of Court.
Mugabi revealed that one suspect was in the custody of the Uganda Police Force pending arraignment before a competent court of law.
Mugabi also said there has been notable progress through the sensitization of fishermen and operations with the help of enforcement, but much more effort is still needed.
“We have reduced the illegal fishing effort, we have reduced the illegal fishing boats on the lake, we have reduced the number of illegal operators and of course there is an improvement in the attitude of the people towards management of the resource,” Mugabi stated.
Mugabi also revealed that fishing communities and business people in the industry are now cautious not to destroy the fisheries resource and ensure sustainability.
However, the Inspector said they are still facing a number of challenges in the execution of their mandate, from both internal and external forces.
Mugabi also said they are in talks with their different stakeholders such as the Police, Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) and the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to rally support and come up with a clear mitigation plan to address the challenges.
FPU Spokesperson, Deo Ssentiba said they are not going to give up the fight against illegal fishing practices. “We are going to proceed with operations across the country to protect our lakes from the possible dangers presented by the illegalities.” he said.
Since FPU was instituted in 2017 by President Museveni to protect the threatened fish resources, over 1000 people have been prosecuted in courts of law.
About The Author
