The Fisheries Protection Unit (FPU), a branch of the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF), established in 2017 by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to combat illegal fishing practices, faces persistent challenges due to a shortage of personnel. The limited manpower has hampered efforts to effectively tackle illegal fishing activities at various fishing grounds across the country.
Despite their deployment and operations at different landing sites and fishing villages, FPU soldiers struggle to eradicate illegal fishing practices, resulting in substantial economic losses. Lieutenant Reuben Ndifula, the FPU Spokesperson, attributes the ongoing prevalence of illegal fishing habits to the insufficient number of personnel needed to effectively combat offenders.
In a media briefing following an operation in Kalungu and Mpigi districts on Lake Victoria waters, Ndifula highlighted the high population density at many landing sites as a contributing factor. The overcrowded areas provide ideal conditions for offenders to operate discreetly, making it challenging for the limited FPU personnel to monitor and conduct operations consistently.
Although Ndifula refrains from providing specific numbers of FPU personnel, he emphasizes that the current force is inadequate to oversee all landing sites continuously. In addition to active operations against illegal fishing, the FPU is exploring engagements with fish vendors and consumers in various forums to discourage the acceptance of immature fish and encourage reporting of offenders.
Despite the FPU’s ongoing efforts, Fredrick Ggesa Mwitale, the Masaka District Fisheries Officer, suggests a need for the government to profile all players in the fisheries sector. This comprehensive approach would include fishermen, owners, boat makers, traders, and occupational fish transporters. Mwitale argues that maintaining accurate records of key players enables law enforcement teams to easily track wrongdoers, offering a more efficient alternative to risky and expensive pursuits on water bodies.
