The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) has destroyed illegal fishing gear valued at approximately Shs400 million in an enforcement operation at Kasenyi Landing Site in Katabi Town Council, Wakiso District, as government intensifies efforts to combat illegal fishing on Uganda’s water bodies.

The exercise, led by State Minister for Fisheries Robert Migadde Ndugwa in collaboration with the 155 Marine Battalion, involved the destruction of confiscated monofilament fishing nets and other prohibited fishing equipment. The operation was conducted in the presence of thousands of fishers and community members.

According to MAAIF, the exercise forms part of ongoing government efforts to protect fish stocks, promote responsible fishing practices and ensure the long-term sustainability of the country’s fisheries sector.

Speaking during the operation, Migadde warned individuals involved in the use, importation, supply and distribution of illegal fishing gear to abandon the practice, saying continued violations undermine efforts to protect and manage the country’s fisheries resources.

“Government has conducted extensive sensitisation campaigns across fishing communities, yet some individuals continue to ignore the regulations. We encourage all fishers to use our water bodies sustainably to safeguard the future of the sector,” Migadde said.

He urged fishing communities to report individuals engaged in illegal fishing activities, warning that government could consider tougher measures, including restrictions on the importation of fishing gear, if non-compliance continues.

Migadde’s remarks come amid renewed efforts by government to strengthen enforcement of fisheries regulations and discourage fishing methods that threaten aquatic resources and the livelihoods of communities dependent on the sector.

Maj. Joseph Ssebukera, Commander of the 155 Marine Battalion, called on fishing communities to support enforcement operations, noting that cooperation between security agencies and local residents is essential in protecting Uganda’s fisheries resources.

The exercise was also attended by senior officials from MAAIF’s Fisheries Department and judicial representatives, including Grade One Magistrate Lillian Mazimwe, who represented the Chief Magistrate.

Government has repeatedly called on fishing communities to observe established fisheries regulations, warning that illegal fishing practices threaten fish stocks, undermine the livelihoods of fishing communities and jeopardise the future of the country’s fisheries industry.