Fishermen along the shores of Bugiri in Katabi Town Council, Wakiso District, have voiced their dissatisfaction with illegal fishermen and enforcement officers who have been accused of harassing them. The fishermen claim that these illegal operators, who use unauthorized fishing methods, have polluted the waters and disrupted their livelihoods.
The fishermen allege that illegal fishermen have been dumping waste into the water, causing environmental degradation and reducing fish stocks. This has left them struggling to make a living, as their catches have significantly declined.
In addition to the illegal fishermen, the enforcement officers tasked with combating illegal fishing have also been accused of mistreating the local fishermen. Kajimu Shafic, a human rights defender representing the fishermen, stated that the situation has become unbearable. He explained that the fishermen are often unfairly targeted and harassed by these officers, making it difficult for them to carry out their work.
The fishermen raised these concerns during a legal awareness session organized by the District Human Rights Committee to explore ways of addressing their challenges. The committee aims to find solutions to the issues of illegal fishing and harassment faced by the fishermen.
Kasirye Elly, the chairperson of the committee, acknowledged that many people are suffering due to a lack of awareness about their rights. He emphasized the need for collective efforts to address these challenges. The District Chairperson also reiterated the commitment to tackling the issue of illegal fishing and other related problems in Wakiso.
The fishermen are calling for stricter enforcement of fishing regulations and better protection of their rights to ensure they can continue their work without fear of harassment or environmental harm.
