By Joshua Olomo
Kwania, Uganda | Tension is mounting among fishing communities on Lake Kwania following the impounding of 20 boats by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Marines during an operation targeting illegal fishing practices.
The affected fishermen from Gweng Landing Site in Chawente Sub-county, Ogwil Landing Site in Ayabi Sub-county and Abali Landing Site in Atongtidi Sub-county claim the operation has left them with losses estimated at more than Shs60 million and deprived many of their livelihoods.
According to the fishermen, each boat costs over Shs20 million to acquire and equip. They argue that the enforcement exercise was conducted without adequate consultation, accusing the marine officers of disrupting their legal fishing activities.
“We have invested heavily in these boats, but they were confiscated without proper engagement. Many fishermen are now jobless and living in fear,” some of the affected fishermen said.
The fishermen appealed to the Government to intervene and facilitate dialogue between fishing communities and enforcement agencies to ensure regulations are implemented fairly.
Tom Ojuka, the chairperson of Gweng Landing Site Committee, and Bonny Odongo, the LC1 Chairperson of Gweng Village in Alido Parish, Chawente Sub-county, said the operation has negatively affected more than 500 fishermen operating 33 boats at the landing site.
Kwania Assistant Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Ceaser Obada, confirmed receiving reports that 20 non-compliant boats had been impounded in Kwania, Dokolo and Amolatar districts for allegedly violating fishing regulations, including the use of prohibited fishing gear and failure to comply with newly introduced enforcement measures.
However, the UPDF Marines defended the operation.
Jackson Nuwagaba, the UPDF Marines Commander in charge of Lake Kwania and the Lake Kyoga Basin, said the boats were confiscated because they failed to meet the required fishing standards and regulations.
He added that the affected fishermen had previously been sensitised on the approved fishing gear and urged all operators to comply with the law to promote sustainable fisheries management.
