KIKUUBE- Fishermen from Kikuube  Buliisa, Kagadi and Ntoroko  districts  operating on Lake Albert  have been directed to stop using an illegal fishing net commonly known as "hurry-up " as one way of protecting the lake from the continued depletion.

The directive was issued by Major Frank Kanzira the operation officer for  fisheries protection unit (FPU) during the sensitization of the fishing community from Kikuube and Hoima districts.

The engagement about the good methods of fishing was held in Kijangi landing site in Buseruka sub-county in Hoima district on Tuesday.

Major Kanzira who chaired the meeting on behalf of commanding officer FPU Lt Col Marcy Tukahirwa, said that whereas the use of hurry-up fishing net to catch Mukene was banned across the country, the communities on Lake Albert had ignored the directive.  

Major Frank Kanzira the operation officer for FPU sensitizing the fishermen about the good methods of fishing during the meeting at Kijangi landing site

He stresssed that scoping (chotachota) was the only fishing gear approved to catch Mukene.

 He directed FPU officers deployed at the lake to impound all these fishing gear and arrest all those who insist on using this fisher gear on the waters.

He noted that hurry-up fishing gear has been one of the fishing gears which has depleted several lakes in the country.

"This hurry-up fishing gear catches Mukene and it even catches Nile Perch, it also doesn't  spare the eggs, on other lakes like Victoria and Kyoga, hurry up is no longer used, it is only being used on Lake Albert, so starting today, this fishing should not go back on the water and those who will fail to adhere to the  directive will be arrested"  

However, the directive did not go well with the fishermen claiming that the directive was abrupt and demanding to be given a three-month period to study the method.

David Baguma, a fisherman from Rwentale landing site in Hoima noted that the Waters of Kikuube and Hoima are deep adding the recommended net (chotachota)  cannot work on such water.

He added that they paid a license to fish allowing them to fish  Mukene early this year and demanded government refund their money if they have put a ban on fishing Mukene. He claimed that directing them to use the scop method of fishing is like stoping them.

Fishermen looking on as their fishing gears were being set on fire

However, the Kikuube district fisheries officer John Kiburara called the fishermen to remain calm stating the directive was temporary.

He noted that the fisheries ministry is making consultation  and soon  it will come up with the guidelines which help and guide on how to fish Mukene.

Oroma Mohamud one of the fishermen from Kijangi landing site in Hoima speaking during the meeting for fishermen

After the meeting the fisheries protection unit with leaders destroyed illegal fishing gears worth over sh265 million which were impounded by officers from different landing sites in Kikuube and Hoima districts.  

Nassan Adenge, speaker of Buseruka sub-county and fisherman said that directive is going to restore fish in the lake but called on government to provide those who are going to be affected with an alternative livelihood.

He  noted that it is not their intention to use illegal fishing gear but most of them lack funds to procure recommended fishing nets and boats.