Police impounds 80 tons of immature fish

By Joseph Ekol in Lira

POLICE in Arua together with the regional fisheries officers’ law enforcing officers on Thursday impounded over 80 tons of immature smoked fish worth sh600m suspected to have been caught from Lake Albert for export to Democratic Republic of Congo.

The national coordinator of Fisheries enforcement officers, Amlan Tumusime who also doubles as the regional fisheries enforcement officer in charge of Lake Kyoga has confirmed the development.

At least six suspects have been arrested during the operations and according to Tumusime they would paraded in court.

The immature fish species impounded include 5 inch Tilapia and 8 inch Nile Perch which is contrary to the rules. 

Tumusiime measures the impounded fish sample while District Fisheries Officer Lira, John Peter Ariong records during inspection at Lira Central Police Station. Photo by Joseph Ekol

Tumusiime told the media that of the 10 tracks of the immature fish consignment they impounded, three trucks were left at Arua police station, two were taken to Nebbi and five were taken to Lira following political interference by West Nile politicians who according to Tumusiime were pledging its release.

“The reason why there is too much increase in immature fish dealing is that fishermen in West Nile region are using illegal fishing gears at will”, Tumusiime noted.

The Lira district fisheries officer, John Peter Ariong said there is high demand of immature fish in Democratic Republic of Congo and is bought expensively and that is why it is very difficult to regulate the exportation of immature fish from Uganda.

He however urged the government of to recruit more fisheries officers and equip them as well as build their capacity to enable the country curb immature fishing.