Nakadama cautions against use of illegal fishing gear

_______________

The third deputy Prime Minister and minister without Portfolio Hajjati Rukia Nakadama has cautioned fishing communities along the shores of Lake Victoria against the use of unauthorized fishing gear, saying these are a threat to aquatic life.

She also said the use of such implements which include locally made fishing hooks and illegal fish nets, may lead to depletion of the water resources thereby affecting the economy.

Nakadama, also the Mayuge district woman member of parliament, made the remarks during celebrations to mark the belated International Women’s Day on Tuesday.

She was responding to complaints that security personnel under the Fisheries Protection Unit (FPU) torture residents in addition to confiscating their property over suspected illegal fishing at the various landing sites.

Ministers Rukia Nakadama and minister for Kampala affairs Hajjati Minsa Kabanda arrivIG in Bugadde for women's day celebrations. (Photo by Charles Kakamwa)

Through the Bugadde town council LC 3 chairman Maganda Lwochaza, residents reported that the latest incident happened last week when three people were arrested at Bwondha landing site over alleged illegal fishing.

They also complained about a ban by the government on the fishing of silver fish (locally known as mukene) which they said was their livelihood.

But Nakadama in response called for calm, saying government was doing everything possible to streamline the fishing industry.

She also asked the National Forestry Authority (NFA) staff to exercise restraint following reports of torture and destruction of property in communities neighbouring the South Busoga Forest Reserve (SBFR).

The ceremony held at Bugadde primary school, Bugadde town council, was also attended by the minister for Kampala affairs Hajjati Minsa Kabanda, state minister Alice Kaboyo (Luwero Triangle), Balaam Barugahara (Youth and Children affairs) and LC 5 chairman Frank Tibagendeka.

Nakadama implored women to take advantage of the various government development initiatives such as the Generating Growth Opportunities and Productivity for Women Enterprises (GROW), Emyooga and Parish Development Model (PDM) to improve their livelihoods.

Edith Namukose, the Mayuge Women Council chairperson decried the high rate of domestic violence and child labour in the district, noting that these result in increased teenage pregnancies, school dropouts and high poverty levels.

Women groups from across the district showcased some of the products from enterprises they started under PDM and Emyooga projects.