BY SAM KACHOPE
Fishing communities in Kasese and Rubirizi districts have asked the government to re-consider fair policies governing fishing sites.
Recently, the president allegedly directed that the number of fishing boats at every fishing site be reduced to 33, especially at sites sharing lakes Edward, George and the Kazinga channel.
Today, during their meeting with stakeholders from both Kasese and Rubirizi districts at Katunguru Fishing Site in Rubirizi district, fishermen argued that the order does not favour their living standards.
Annah Kacancu Amooti and Maria Tusingwire from Katunguru were worried that the order to reduce boats to only 33 would trigger the high crime rate and poverty at the fishing sites, arguing that most of their people were engaging in fishing activities as their only source of income.
Musa Masudi argues that the law was going to push the community members into poverty, suggesting that the order be revised.
Musamiru Bisanga, the outgoing District Councilor representing Lake Katwe Sub-county in the Kasese District, observed the need for the fishermen at the Kazinga Channel to stay united for a common goal of development amidst new frustrating policies.
Benjamin Cadet Buturo, the Member of Parliament – elect for Bunyaruguru County in Rubirizi District said they would write a letter to the President to revise the order since these communities were staying in a gazzetted conservation area of the Queen Elizabeth National Game Park.
ENDS