The Fisheries Protection Unit has handed an assortment of impounded items to the fishing community of Wakiso at a function that was held at Gudda landing site in Entebbe. The items included boats, motorcycles and engines.
Ms. Jackline Kankunda, the Entebbe Deputy Resident District Commissioner thanked the government for pardoning the fishermen and reminded them that the law against illegal fishing practices will continue to be enforced as she cautioned them against illegal fishing practices, transportation and dealing in immature fish.
She advised the fishing community to engage in other activities other than fishing.
Ms Kankunda advised the members of the fishing community to observe hygiene and promised that a community toilet would be constructed within the area.
The Mayor of Katabi Town Council, Ronald Kalema thanked the army leadership for reviving the fishing economy because the fish stocks had been depleted.
He also called upon the fishermen to change their attitude towards soldiers because their role is to enforce the Fisheries Act not to mistreat fishermen.
The representative of Commanding Officer FPU, Major Karugaba called for cooperation to fight illegal practices on the lake and the fish business and urged them to follow the fishing guidelines to avoid conflicting with the law.
Maj Karugaba assured them that UPDF’s presence on the lake is for a reason and stressed that nobody is above the law therefore we must adhere to the SOPs and fishing guidelines.
The function was attended by the speaker Entebbe municipal council, area councillors, Federation of Barriers Association, landing sites chairmen, and AFARU representatives among others.
