UPDF arrest immature fish dealers
Residents of Masese-Walukuba in Jinja Municipality lining up to share on the two tones of immature fish impounded by Uganda Peoples Defence Forces' Marine and Fishery Department, while being transported to Kenya on Friday night. PHOTO BY DENIS EDEMA
What you need to know:
- The suspects were identified as Sam Muteguya, 19, who was acting as the turnboy of the boat and Dan Wanyama, 44, who claimed to be the owner of the boat.
- Mr Charles Okello a fisherman said a group of fishermen are determined to protect immature fish from illegal fishermen who are against the operation, adding that of late, the operation has helped restoring fish in waters.
Jinja. Officers from the department of Marine and Fishery under Uganda Peoples Defence Forces, have arrested two suspects transporting two tones of immature fish (Nile Perch) from Namiti Landing site in Buvuma District to Kenya.
According to officials, the suspects were transporting fresh Nile Perch at about 2am to Majanji landing site in Busia district to be loaded into a truck and then be transported to Kenya that very night.
The commander in charge of illegal fishing department of UPDF based at Buvuma, Buikwe District, Capt Stephen Alituha, who led the operation, said former illegal fishermen tipped his officers which led to the interception of the suspects.
“Since the operation started early this year, the fishing communities around Lake Victoria and Kyoga are appreciating because they are now benefiting,” said Capt Alituha.
The fish was distributed freely to the residents of Masese and Walukuba in Jinja Municipality.
The suspects were identified as Sam Muteguya, 19, who was acting as the turnboy of the boat and Dan Wanyama, 44, who claimed to be the owner of the boat.
“I was only doing my work of transporting the fish at Shs50, 000 from Namiti Island to Majanji in Busia, I was tricked by the owner of the fish whom I asked whether the fish were of the recommended seize and he assured me all was well,” said Wanyama.
Capt Alituha said that the suspects will be taken to court and upon conviction; they are to serve 7 years prison sentence.
Jinja Municipality Fishery officer Ms Tophas Twinomugisha confirmed that there is an increase in the volume of fish in the lake and fishermen are appreciating the operation.
She however stressed that there are some illegal fishing practices still taking place which need to be fought.
Recommended seizes of fish
Tilapia, 11 inches and above, Nile perch 20 inches and above.
Mr Charles Okello a fisherman said a group of fishermen are determined to protect immature fish from illegal fishermen who are against the operation, adding that of late, the operation has helped restoring fish in waters.
“It is not surprising that the price of fish is dropping because a fisherman who goes in water with rightful fishing gears will get the size of the fish he wanted unlike the previous days,” Mr Okello said.
Currently 1kg of fish ranges from Shs10, 000 to Shs15000 depending on the quality of the fish.
