By Our Reporter
NATIONAL
The Minister of State for Fisheries and also Woman Member of Parliament for Serere District has pleaded with the UPDF Fisheries Protection Unit (FPU) Personnel to show some leniency while dealing with illegalities on water bodies.
Hon. Hellen Adoa Abeku made the appeal at Mukono Ridar Hotel while closing a two day workshop of UPDF FPU Commanders aimed at increasing compliance in licensing of fisheries activities.
The workshop took place between 30th May and 31st May 2022.
During the workshop, Adoa called for the need to enforce proper fishing standards, though she later called for leniency when dealing with illegalities on water bodies.
She explained by mentioning that the rising commodity prices have made life difficult and therefore culprits have to be given a fair hearing.
Ms Adoa promised to stream line the fishing sector by enforcing the issuance of licenses to all who benefit from this lucrative sector, notably beginning with those fishing from lakes Victoria and Kyoga.
The workshop designed a participatory licensing strategy that can be implemented to enhance the fisheries output.
It was organized by the Directorate of Fisheries under the agriculture ministry in collaboration with the Germany Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ).
Speaking at the same function, the GIZ Project leader Adolf Gerstl implored all stakeholders in the fisheries sector to cooperate for its enormous contribution towards economic growth.
He pledged to continue supporting all activities geared towards stream lining of fisheries activities on Uganda’s water bodies.
The acting Director for the Management of Fisheries Resources, Joyce Ikwaput Nyeko urged commanders to enforce the required fishing standards, and later benefit from the lucrative trade.
Beginning June 10, 2022, it will be very hard to be involved in any fishing activity without an operation license, most especially on Lake Victoria and Lake Kyoga.
