The Fisheries Protection Unit has destroyed 280 illegal boats, 30,000 monofilament nets and other prohibited equipment at Mahyoro Landing Site, as local leaders call for better patrol equipment to strengthen enforcement on Lake George.
The Fisheries Protection Unit has destroyed illegal fishing gear valued at an estimated Shs1 billion at Mahyoro Landing Site in Kitagwenda District as the government intensifies efforts to curb illegal fishing on Lake George.
The destroyed equipment included 280 boats, 30,000 pieces of monofilament netting and 50 fishing baskets, among other prohibited gear impounded from fishermen.
The operation is intended to enforce fishing regulations, protect fish stocks from depletion and promote sustainable fishing practices on the lake.
Julius Kasaija, a Fisheries Protection Unit official responsible for Lake George, said the destruction was carried out under a court order authorising the disposal of the impounded equipment.
Kasaija said the government remained committed to protecting the country's water bodies from illegal fishing through sustained enforcement operations.
He added that the crackdown was part of broader efforts to promote socioeconomic transformation by encouraging lawful fishing practices that can sustain the livelihoods of fishing communities.
However, local leaders at Mahyoro Landing Site say enforcement efforts could be undermined by inadequate logistical support, particularly the lack of a motorised boat engine for surveillance and routine patrols.
The leaders argue that the reduction in the number of licensed boats operating at the landing site, coupled with limited surveillance capacity, has made it difficult to monitor fishing activities effectively.
Moses Mushabe, the workers' councillor in Kitagwenda District, said providing a motorised boat engine would strengthen local monitoring efforts and help prevent the use of prohibited fishing equipment.
Mushabe appealed to the government to equip local enforcement teams with the facilities needed to conduct regular patrols and support the fight against illegal fishing.
The destruction of the impounded gear marks another enforcement action aimed at regulating fishing activities on Lake George.
However, local leaders say sustained operations, backed by adequate logistical support, will be necessary to protect fish stocks while safeguarding the livelihoods of communities that depend on fishing.