By Namara Immaculate
BULIISA: The fishing communities in the Buliisa district have decried the increased theft of fishing gear on Lake Albert.
This was disclosed by the fishermen during an evaluation meeting for Ngacia and Angara fishing Association at the Kamagongolo landing site in the Butiaba sub-county, Buliisa District recently.
The meeting attracted area members of Parliament from Buliisa district, leaders of Ngacia and Angara Fishing Association and other fishermen from different landing sites of Hoima, Kikuube, Kagadi, Ntoroko, Pakwach, and Buliisa District, and District Fisheries Officer from Kagadi District.
It was organized by Uganda Fisheries and Fish Conservation Association {UFFCA}.
Afusa Tibananuka, Abibu Businge among other leaders of Ngacia and Angara Associations revealed that the continuous theft of the fishing gear on the lake has impoverished them and left some of their colleagues dead.
Edmon Ava from the Panyimur landing site in Pakwatch district however accused fellow fishermen, especially those who fish at night of cutting and stealing their gear.
Daniel Murungi from Runga landing site accused some fishermen’s leaders of shielding the culprits and he challenged the leaders to be transparent and honest in their work.
Allan Atugonza, the Buliisa county legislator called for serious intervention on issues affecting the fishermen on lake Albert in order to save their lives and fishing gear.
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