Authorities in Masaka District have launched anti-illegal fishing committees, marking a renewed effort to curb unlawful practices on the lakes, following a directive issued last year by President Yoweri Museveni allowing fishermen to take part in enforcement.
The committees were officially unveiled at Lambu landing site in Bukakata Sub-county, bringing together local leaders, fisheries officials, and members of the fishing community.
The initiative is expected to strengthen community participation in protecting fish stocks while restoring order in the sector.
Speaking at the launch, Masaka District Chairperson Andrew Batemyeto and Bukakata District Councillor Gerald Lubeezi raised concerns about the treatment of local fishermen.
They criticized the practice of arresting suspects and prosecuting them in distant courts, forcing them to serve sentences far from their communities despite the presence of courts and detention facilities within Masaka.
The leaders also appealed to fisheries authorities to review the ongoing ban on mukene (silverfish) fishing, arguing that many households that depended on the activity have been left without a source of income.
Despite these concerns, enforcement agencies maintained a firm stance. The commander of the Fisheries Protection Unit in Greater Masaka, Daniel Kamuntu, warned fishermen against engaging in illegal practices, saying stricter penalties await offenders.
“It is time for fishermen to reform. Those who continue breaking the law will face tougher jail terms,” he cautioned, adding that all fishermen must possess valid fishing licenses.
He directed those with expired permits to renew them immediately, stressing that unlicensed fishing will not be tolerated.
Bukakata Sub-county Chief Isa Kayondo welcomed the formation of the committees, expressing optimism that they will help replenish fish stocks and improve local revenue collection.
He noted that increased revenue would enable the district to address key community challenges, including opening new roads and improving garbage management.
Masaka Resident District Commissioner Janat Billy Mulindwa, who officially launched the committees, called for unity and cooperation among members.
She urged them to rely on local enforcement structures to resolve disputes rather than involving distant authorities.
The formation of the committees signals a shift toward community-led enforcement, even as tensions persist between fishermen and authorities over livelihoods and the strict application of fishing regulations.
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