UPDF returns impounded fishing gears to Congolese

Buliisa: The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Fish Protection Unit (FPU), together with Buliisa District leadership, has returned the impounded fishing gear to Congolese fishermen, which was impounded on the Lake Albert waters.

In May this year, FPU impounded over 31 engines and 28 boats from Congolese fishermen who were operating on Lake Uganda’s side.

The fishermen were attached to the landing sites of Oridhe, Aji, Shaka, and Ubongwa in the DRC.

The handover function took place on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, and was spearheaded by Buliisa District Residential District Commissioner (RDC) Longino Bahebwa Byagagaire at the Butiaba landing site FPU Detach.

He cautioned the Congolese against extorting money from them, deceiving them by saying that they were taking it to government officials to have their confiscated gear released.

Maj. Frank Kanzira, the head of operations at the Fisheries Protection Unit at Butiaba Detach, cautioned fishermen from the Congo to desist from being involved in illegal fishing that will lead them into trouble.

‘’The release of the impounded fishing gear was meant to express Uganda’s commitment to improving its relationships with her neighbors. FPU shall never relent to protect all its water bodies from illegal fishing,’’ he warned.

While receiving the fishing gear on behalf of the Congolese government, Robert Agenonga, the Mahagi Member of Parliament in Ituri Province in DR. Congo, appreciated and welcomed the collaboration between the two governments, saying this will help to solve the problem and improve the livelihood of fishermen in the two countries.

It’s essential that both countries work together to harmonize laws and address issues affecting the livelihoods of fishermen in the region.

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