The commander FPU in Masaka region, Bernard Beyengana, says that the fish traders apologized for dealing in immature fish and promised to stop illegal fishing activities.
The Commandant of the Fisheries Protection Unit in Entebbe Captain Isaac Ewaga says that soldiers were tipped off by one of the fishermen on Lake Kyoka of a vehicle that was carrying immature fish.
Fred Kwizera, a fisherman at Nangoma landing site told Museveni that some army officers he didnt mention chased them from Lake Victoria, saying they had secured fishing rights from the former Fisheries Minister, Ruth Nankabirwa.
Three men thought to work for former rally driver and fish monger Ponsiano have been presented in court over possession of immature fish for the third time. Patrick Mwesigye, Friday Luke and Abdullah Mukiibi all residents of Masaka district have been presented before Chief magistrate Mary Ikit on six accounts against them.
The Police Standards Unit has been deployed in Rakai district to investigate allegations by Ponsiano Lwakataka\'s relatives that police is mismanaging the cases against him. Noah Serunjogi, the Regional police spokesperson, confirms the development.
The dip in supply has affected fish prices. A kilogram of Tilapia fish at Butiaba, landing site costs 15, 000 shillings now. It cost 4, 500 shillings mid last year. Nile Perch fish costs between 8000 shillings to 12000 shillings depending on the size. Mid last year, a buyer could purchase a single Nile Perch fish at 2, 000 shillings. A kilogram of Hychosynus, locally known as Ngasa is at shs8,000 up from 3500.
The fishermen put up a spirited resistance during the Wednesday operation. They attempted to fight the enforcement officers with machetes and stones. The fishermen were supported by the angry spouses before they were overpowered.
The state minister for fisheries, Ruth Nankabirwa has suspended fishing activities on five landing sites in Mayuge district following attacks on law enforcement officers.
Officials from Fisheries Ministry together with police have intercepted two trucks loaded with over 20 tons of immature fish each worth over 160 million shillings heading to the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Ten Congolese fishermen have been arrested after being found using illegal fishing gears on Lake Albert. The fishermen were arrested at Kaiso landing site in Buseruka Sub County Hoima district on Monday evening.
Fishermen have resorted to ferrying immature fish in coffins from the landing sites along the shores of lakes Albert, Kyoga and Victoria to ready markets, the State minister for fisheries Ruth Nankabirwa has revealed.
