Immature fish destined for DRC impounded

May 14, 2013

Eight tones of immature fish worth millions of shillings destined for DRC has been impounded.

By Noah Jagwe

Eight tones of immature fish worth millions of shillings destined for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has been impounded.


The transporting lorry registration number UAP 268 F was intercepted in the western district of Rukungiri and taken to a police station there.

“We got information from Nakasongola about this vehicle carrying the immature fish. It was very difficult to track because they had used shortcuts to elude the law enforcement officers,” Kenneth Mbazira, officer in charge of Mbarara explained.

 Mbaziira said the driver of the vehicle identified as Fred Iga was arrested although the rest of the crew abandoned the car and escaped.

 According to Mbazira, the vehicle has been transported to Kampala.

 “The law allows us to sell off the truck and remit the money to government,” John Paul Muyingo, Fisheries Officer Central Region said.

 It is estimated that Uganda loses over US dollars 70m and sh400b locally from illegal fishing activities.

 The suspects will be charged with four accounts including trading in immature fish, lack of fishing license, moving it without permit or local inspection certificate.

 Upon conviction, the suspects face a fine ranging from sh350, 000 to sh1m or imprisonment not exceeding 2 years.

The acceptable standard of a mature fish is measured at 20 inches and anything short of that is not allowed.

 

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