The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Kasese, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The Fisheries Protection Unit-FPU on Thursday burnt over 50 illegal boats at Hamukungu landing site on Lake George, Kasese district.
The FPU also burnt 3,300 monofilament nets, 64 basket nets, 650 under size gill nets, and 2040 under-size fishing hooks among others. The items were confiscated in the last 30 days.
Capt. Julius Akunda, the FPU Commander for Kazinga channel and Lake George, said the operations against illegal fishing practices are ongoing until all the illegal practices are fully dealt with and eliminated.
He adds that more than 80 people found engaging in illegal fishing on lake George have been arrested in the same period, but most juveniles have been released after cautioning.
He blames the increasing cases of illegal fishing on the growing population around the fishing villages who are lacking other employment opportunities. Ankuda however decries the lack of operation equipment like marine boats which is hampering their operation and immediate response to alerts.
Steven Katesigwa, the chairperson coordination committee for fishermen on lake George and Edward, said they are working hand in hand with FPU to eliminate illegal fishing. However, he says fighting illegal fishing has remained a challenge because some local authorities on the landing sites fear to report the culprits.
Zaverio Bulenge, the vice chairperson Hamukungu landing site welcomed the operation saying that because of of this, there has been an increase in the breeding of fish in the last three months.
During an afternoon meeting, boat owners at the landing site blamed government for taking long without issuing them with licenses even after several weeks after paying for them. Akunda asked the boat owners to keep copies of their payment slips which the fisheries unit can rely on to confirm that they are operating legally.
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