Amolatar launches fisheries committees to combat illegal fishing, boost revenue

22 July 2026, 11:38 am

By Sarah Ejang

The Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Amolatar, Francis Okello, officially launched the operations of the newly formed Landing Site and Sub-County Fisheries Management Committees on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at the Amolatar District Education Hall. This initiative is a strategic move aimed at curbing illegal fishing practices, boosting local revenue, and ensuring food security across the district.

During the launch, RDC Francis Okello delivered a stern warning against destructive fishing methods that have been depleting the lake’s resources. He urged committee members and fishers to strictly adhere to government regulations to restore fish stocks, which are vital for income generation and household food security.

“The income generated from the lake must be used constructively,” Okello stressed, “to educate our children, improve health standards at landing sites, and foster personal development.”

District Fisheries Officer (DFO) Anthony Otunga highlighted the urgent need to eliminate widespread illegal fishing in order to achieve wealth creation within the district.

Responding to this, District Chairperson Moris Ogwal directed the DFO to immediately customize existing fisheries laws to better suit the local context. Ogwal proposed running radio awareness campaigns designed to inform fishermen about the regulations, ensuring that no one breaks the law out of ignorance.

Ogwal also called upon local leaders at the landing sites to actively participate in mobilizing local revenue, emphasizing that the district’s development depends on collective effort.

To further clarify fisheries laws, he assured that the District Fisheries Officer will translate the legal texts into the local language to enhance understanding among fishermen.

Additionally, Ogwal urged leaders to coordinate their efforts for the greater good of everyone in the community.

Representing the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), Principal Assistant Secretary (PAS) Susan Ayura Acio challenged the newly appointed committee members to serve as role models.

She encouraged them to carry out their responsibilities diligently, leaving a lasting positive legacy while focusing heavily on generating local revenue to drive district growth.

The District Community Development Officer, Vincent Otile, underlined the necessity of strict enforcement, noting that the government’s ultimate goal is to protect both its citizens and its natural resources.

With these strong endorsements and directives, the newly launched committees are now expected to take full charge of monitoring the lake and managing landing sites immediately, setting the district on a path toward sustainable fisheries management, enhanced food security, and improved livelihoods.