Kalangala Fishing Controversy: FPU Raids Lead to Confiscation of Boats and Silverfish

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The Fish Protection Unit (FPU) in Kalangala District has undertaken a significant operation, impounding over 60 boats attributed to silverfish fishers. These boats, along with their catches totaling over six tons, engines, and steamer lamps, have been confiscated. The value of the impounded items amounts to millions of shillings. Allegations suggest that these boats were involved in the utilization of the banned “hurry-up” fishing method.

The targeted boats were traced to various landing sites around Lake Victoria, including Kagoonya landing site in Bujumba sub-county, Ddajje landing site, and Banda in Mugoye Sub County. Fishers of silverfish have expressed dismay over the impoundment, claiming that they were operating within the legal boundaries prescribed by the Fisheries Act, maintaining a distance of two kilometers away from the shoreline, where fish hatch.

The fishers refute the FPU’s assertion that the impounded gear was utilized for the hurry-up fishing method. They argue that the nets they use do not align with the alleged method and accuse enforcers of attempting to favor Nile Perch fishers.

In response to the outcry, fisheries state minister Hellen Adoa clarified that there is no ban on silverfish fishing and urged the FPU to focus solely on enforcing the ban on hurry-up nets. However, Peter Ssenkindu, the deputy chairperson of silverfish fishers in Kalangala District, called for the deployment of experts to investigate the methods employed in the fishing expedition.

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Amidst the tensions, Lt Lauben Ndifula, the FPU spokesperson, confirmed the confiscation of fishing gear and the capture of over six tons of fresh silverfish. Despite pardoning the fishermen, the FPU retains possession of their gear, including engines, nets, steamer lamps, and boats at their detach base in Mwena.

Ndifula explained that although fishermen use nets available in the market, these are considered to be for the hurry-up method, which the minister has banned. To address the dispute, Kalangala deputy RDC, Henry Ssebunya, assured fishermen of efforts to reach a consensus on fishing silverfish, aiming to differentiate between the nets available on the market and those that are banned.

As the situation unfolds, over 60 boats have been impounded across Kalangala District, along with their engines, while engaged in silverfish fishing activities.

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