Four arrested over illegal fishing

CRIME | ILLEGAL FISHING

Four fishermen were on Thursday arrested for illegal fishing in Katabi town council, Wakiso district.

The suspects, identified as Joseph Matovu, Sam Baligwa, Alex Mugisha and Gerald Byaruhanga, were arrested by the UPDF Fisheries Protection Unit during a crackdown on illegal fishing gear.

The fishermen, who were operating from Bugonga Landing Site in Entebbe Municipality, were found using the banned monofilament fishing nets and Bao Tatu canoes.

Maj. James Nuwagaba, the UPDF Fisheries Protection Unit commander revealed that despite their efforts to sensitise fishermen on the dangers of using illegal fishing gear, the majority have remained adamant.

"We have sensitised, pardoned and given them chance to hand over the illegal fishing gear, but many of them still use the banned Monofilament fishing nets and the illegal bao-Tatu canoes to catch immature fish," Nuwagaba said.

According to him, operations on illegal fishing have helped to identify and weed out many criminal gangs who were hiding in the islands.

He refuted allegations that his unit had denied fishermen access to the lake. He said all he wants is for fishermen to use the acceptable fishing gear as stipulated by the Fishing Act.