LAKE VICTORIA FISH WAR! UPDF Destroys Shs6.5bn Illegal Gear, Arrests 24 Kenyans
Ugandan military forces have destroyed illegal fishing gear and arrested 24 Kenyan nationals in a crackdown on unauthorized fishing in Lake Victoria. Authorities cite the depletion of fish stocks and the resulting economic impact on local factories as the primary drivers for these enforcement operations.
Why it matters
The conflict highlights ongoing tensions regarding cross-border resource management and the economic consequences of illegal fishing practices on regional food security and employment.
Authorities in Namayingo District have destroyed 1,820 pieces of illegal fishing gear confiscated during a crackdown on illegal fishing activities in parts of Lake Victoria.
The gear, valued at an estimated 6.5 billion shillings, was seized during a series of operations conducted this month by UPDF Marine forces at landing sites including Bugali, Lolwe, Maninga, Wakawaka and Sagiti in Port Victoria.
Speaking to fishermen at Gorofa on Lolwe Island, Lt. Innocent Awai, the UPDF Marine commander in charge of Battalion 155 in Namayingo, said the operations had also led to the arrest of 24 Kenyan nationals allegedly found fishing in Ugandan waters using illegal gear.
Awai warned that the next phase of the crackdown would target people manufacturing and supplying illegal fishing gear.
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