By Priscah Atuhaire and Shivan Tuhirirwe,
MASAKA
The Fisheries Protection Unit (FPU) of the UPDF in Masaka has intercepted a motor vehicle truck transporting young fish estimated at Shs60m.
The FPU commander for Masaka subregion, Capt. Andrew Egibu, the commander of FPU said that in the morning hours of Wednesday (August17) they received reports that a truck registration number UBJ 664E was transporting young fish which is illegal in Uganda.
Security immediately swung into action and impounded the vehicle at Nakaziba fishing village, in Mpigi.
Upon impounding, Updf recovered 114 boxes with each box containing at least 600 pieces of immature Nile Perch fish. It is alleged that the fish was being transported to Bunagana Town on the Uganda-DRC border.
Updf also recovered materials used in illegal fishing such as under-seized boat and fish nets, motor engine, and empty jerrycans.
“Imagine if one mature Nile Perch can cost over 15,000 on the market then these people were carrying 144 boxes each loaded with over 600 immature fish how much do you think the country would generate from such a catch?” Capt Egibu said
He added, “This should be fought and reduced or even eliminated because it’s costing the country so much and this should be every citizen’s responsibility.”
The truck driver and co-driver his turn boy took on heels but Capt. Egibu says efforts to apprehend them are ongoing.
He warned fishermen on Ugandan lakes to practice legal fishing as illegal fishing and selling of premature fish may be disastrous to the sector.
