The Uganda Peoples Defence Forces Fisheries department in Masaka has set fire on illegal fishnets 4 billion seized from landing sites around Masaka and Kyotera districts.
The tones of destroyed illegal fishnets including Kokota, Bungulu, Sain nets, monofilaments, Manyala among others were burnt on Tuesday at Ddimo landing site, Kyesiiga sub county in Masaka district.
According to the Head of marine operations in Masaka and Kyotera districts, Afande Benard Baingana, the fishermen have failed to abide by the fishing laws that why they chose to destroy all the seized illegal fishnets to prevent fishermen from misusing the lake
Baingana warned fishermen to avoid using illegal nets because they cause fish scarcity in the lake.
However, fishermen pointed out the challenges they face including military harassment despite meeting the requirements and excessive taxes aimed at stopping their fishing activities.
Fishermen urged the government to introduce laws banning the importation of these alleged illegal nets which will also enable them not to procure them again.
Kyesiiga sub county Fisheries Officer Zam Namusoke welcomed the UPDF’s act of destroying illegal nets and said they now hope that the fish will return to the lake and the sub county will continue to earn more revenue.
Some of the landing sites where poor fishing is most common, according to Afande Baingana, include Malembo, Bbaale, Kasokoso, Kasensero and others.
