UPDF detain 13 Congolese fishermen, impound 6 boats

UPDF marine have arrested 13 Congolese fishermen and impounded six boats after burning 625 fishing nets during an operation to curb illegal fishing practices along Kayanja, Katwe, Kazinga, Kisenyi, and Rwashama landing sites on Lake Edward in Kasese District.

Authorities accuse the Congolese fishermen of breaking fishing laws at the landing sites in Uganda.

“We have two weeks’ operations following the illegal practices in Lake Edward by the Congolese fishermen who have failed to comply with our policies. They have been using illegal boats, monofilament ropes for fishing, hooks as small as 8-9 inches yet the policy provides for the 10-inch size to catch small fish at the lake shores,” Lt Col Dick Kasaija, the marine Commander in Charge of the Fisheries Unit said.

He accused the detained Congolese nationals of using illegal boats, unauthorized fishing nets and operating in Uganda without working permits.

He said the suspects were found were found with undersized fish.

According to Lt Col Kasaija, the suspects will be deported back to DR Congo while the impounded boats will remain in Uganda as exhibits.

Ugandan fishermen speak

The fishermen also complained that continued changes of the net size, boat numbers, crocodile attacks and daily arrests by the National park authorities at the landing sites of Katunguru and Kasenyi on Lake Edward have frustrated their daily operations in Kasese District.