Illegal Fishing Gear Worth UGX 1.6 billion Burnt at Bangladesh Landing Site in Amolatar

11 July 2025, 9:13 am

By Sarah Ejang

The Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) Fish Protection Unit (FPU) on Wednesday destroyed illegal fishing gear valued at UGX 1.6 billion at Bangladesh Landing Site in Namusale Sub-county, Amolatar District. The move is part of a broader effort to curb illegal fishing on Lake Kyoga.

While officiating the burning exercise, Major Joseph Cherop, an Intelligence Officer at the FPU, applauded the cooperation between security agencies and local leaders in the ongoing fight against illegal fishing. He emphasized a shift towards a more proactive approach, which will include sensitization campaigns to educate fishing communities on good fishing practices and consequences of using banned fishing methods.

Major Cherop also ordered the release of over 80 boats that were seized during recent operations, signaling a gesture of goodwill and a call for compliance from the fishing community. He, however, reiterated the importance of adhering to legal fishing practices, including obtaining fishing license.

Amolatar Deputy Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Ahmad Lyavala, revealed that President Yoweri Museveni is expected to meet leaders from fishing communities after his nationwide tour of the Parish Development Model (PDM) program. The meeting aims to address the challenges faced by these communities and explore other alternative economic activities instead of solely relying on fishing as a mean of livelihood.

Lyavala urged fishermen to comply with government regulations, abandon illegal fishing practices, and diversify their income sources. He also cautioned them against confrontations with security personnel during enforcement operations.

Amolatar Principal Senior Assistant Chief Administrative Officer, Acio Susan, warned against misusing PDM funds to acquire illegal gear, stressing that such actions undermine the objectives of the program. She further noted that illegal fishing negatively affects local revenue collection and pledged the district’s full support in the fight against the vice.

Meanwhile, Namusale Sub-county LCIII Chairperson, RamboOngu, appealed to fishermen to use legal fishing gear to avoid falling foul of the law.

The destruction of the illegal gear marks a significant milestone in efforts to restore sustainable fishing practices on Lake Kyoga, which has been under threat due to rampant illegal activities.