By Derrick Ampereza
The Fisheries Protection Unit (FPU) under the Uganda Peoples’ Defense Forces (UPDF) in partnership with the office of the Rukungiri resident district commissioner destroyed illegal fishing nets and other equipment worth 60 million at Lake Edward.
The activity happened on Tuesday at Rweshama landing site on Lake Edward in Bwambara sub-county Rukungiri district.
The Rukungiri Deputy Resident District Commissioner Wilberforce Ahimbisibwe Ongom urged fishermen at Rweshama landing site to support the government in the fight against illegal fishing by reporting all suspects.
Ongom added that the burnt gears were illegal according to the laws of Uganda because they are used to catch young fish which is a great challenge that may leave the Lakes bear with no fish if not stopped in time.
Captain Julius Ankunda, who is in charge of fighting illegal fishing at Lake Edward and Lake George says the operations will continue to cover all the landing sites on Lake Edward and George until all illegal fishing activities are stopped.
He warned all those who smuggle illegal nets into the country through the water bodies that they will face the law once they are caught.
He says most of these illegal fishing gears are brought by Congolese who cross their border to Uganda on Lake Edward.
Some of the fishing community members appreciated the operation but the majority said it is a disaster to their livelihoods and economic progress.
