The Fisheries Protection Unit (FPU) recently took action to destroy illegal fishing nets valued at Ugx 1.4 billion. FPU, a marine division of the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF), was established by President Yoweri Museveni in January 2017 to address and eradicate illegal fishing activities on water bodies.
The incineration of the illegal nets occurred at Kiyindi landing site in Buikwe district on Thursday, April 25. The event was attended by Buikwe district woman member of parliament, Honorable Diana Mutasingwa, who also serves as the cabinet minister of state in the office of the Vice President. Also present was Lt. Col. Mercy Tukahirwa, the commanding officer of FPU. Together, they cautioned fishermen against engaging in illegal fishing practices.
The illegal nets, totaling Ugx 1.4 billion in value, were confiscated during operations conducted over four months at Kiyindi and Kikondo landing sites on Lake Victoria. Lt. Lauben Ndifula, the FPU Public Relations Officer (PRO), reported that while many fishermen were apprehended during the operations, first-time offenders were educated on the consequences of illegal fishing. Repeat offenders were handed over to the police and subsequently sent to Kitalya prison.
According to Ndifula, FPU operates in accordance with the Fisheries and Aquaculture Act of 2023, which outlines clear regulations governing fisheries activities. The destroyed nets included various types, such as monofilament pieces, cash nets, and undersized grill nets, among others.
Of particular concern are monofilament nets, known for their detrimental impact on marine life. Ndifula highlighted the dangers associated with these nets, including the capture of immature fish, the destruction of fish species and predators, and the extended time it takes for them to decompose once discarded into the lake.
Regarding the influx of illegal nets into the lake, Ndifula explained that some are smuggled into Uganda through porous borders, while others, like kokota, are locally produced by fishermen. He noted the challenge of tracing these nets, emphasizing that despite the availability of legal and environmentally friendly fishing equipment on the market, some fishermen still opt for illegal methods to maximize their catch.
