Businessman netted with sh60m undersize nets

Jun 07, 2009

TWENTY-TWO tonnes of illegal fishing nets worth sh60m have been impounded by the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA).

By Nicholas Kajoba

TWENTY-TWO tonnes of illegal fishing nets worth sh60m have been impounded by the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA).

The nets were seized from an unidentified businessman as he was taking them to Iganga, Paul Kyeyune, the URA spokesman, said.

The interception was a result of collaboration between the fisheries department and URA.

Kyeyune said URA collaborates with all the stakeholders to ensure that goods imported into the country go through proper channels.

Fred Mukisa, the fisheries minister, said the approved minimum fishing net size was seven for Nile perch and 10mm for Mukene (silver minnow).

“I appeal to all traders to desist from importing illegal gears. If we cooperate, we will save our lakes and benefit more,” he said.

He said it was important for industry stakeholders to share intelligence information to prevent entry of illegal gears into the country.

Mukisa warned the fisheries department and URA personnel, who connive with importers to clear illegal consignments, that the long arm of the law would catch up with them.

“We are committed to stopping illegal entry and use of undersized gears in our lakes,” the minister said.

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