The UPDF Fisheries Protection Unit (FPU) commander Maj. James Nuwagaba has warned all fishermen operating around Kasenyi Landing Site, Baita Ababiri, Katabi Town Council to desist from illegal fishing. Maj. Nuwagaba who was speaking during a sensitization meeting with the fishermen at the Kasenyi Landing site on Thursday disclosed that several companies operating at the landing site have closed due to illegal fishing and so many have been rendered jobless.
Maj. Nuwagaba urged the fishermen to cooperate with the Fisheries Protection Unit (FPU) and hand over all the illegal fishing gear including nets and added that all those who will not cooperate will be treated as criminals and they will face severe consequences including imprisonment.
“We began Operation ‘Pakalast’ in February aimed at decisively dealing with Illegal fishing on all water bodies in Uganda. We are appealing to all Fishermen in Kasenyi Landing site to hand over their illegal fishing gear as soon as possible because we have reports that Kasenyi is a safe haven for criminals and big headed fishermen who insist on using the illegal fishing gear. Those who will remain adamant will be treated as criminals and dealt with accordingly”, Maj. Nuwagaba stated.
The Kasenyi Landing site chairman Bosco Kalunga lauded the UPDF Fisheries Protection Unit for cracking down on illegal fishing and revealed that fishing of immature fish has declined by 35 percent on the Landing site. He called on the FPU to continue with the crackdown.
