Businessman netted with half tonne of immature fish

By Abel Muganzi

Police in Rubirizi district have arrested a man ferrying half a tonne (500kg) of immature fish to the Democratic Republic of Congo.
 
The businessman identified as Bumari Mpanga, 36, of Kansheshero landing site in Kiyebe Sub-county, Rakai district was arrested on Wednesday morning by fisheries enforcement officers in conjunction with Rubirizi police detectives.

The Rubirizi deputy Police criminal investigations chief, Wilfred Okech, said Bumari was arrested along Ishasha junction on Kasese–Mpodwe road.
 
Okecha explained that the businessman was intercepted as he drove towards Mpondwe border post heading to DR Congo where immature fish is a lucrative business.
 
He said the vehicle, registration No. UAQ 984E loaded with the fish, is being kept at Rubirizi district Police headquarters in Ndekye trading centre.
 
Okecha said the suspect is also held the Police station waiting to be taken to court to face charges of being in possession of immature fish, contrary to sect 27(b) of the fish act 2010.
 
The Rubirizi District fisheries enforcement officer, Augustine Arinaitwe, said the problem of catching immature fish is getting out of hand around the areas of Lake George and Edward.
 
He said several people have been arrested and charged in courts of law on charges of being in possession of illegal fish but many have still not reformed.