200805141294 | MPs want lakes leased to fishermen

MPs want lakes leased to fishermen

THE parliamentary committee on agriculture, animal industry and fisheries has suggested that lakes be divided into plots and leased to fishermen.
According to the committee chairman, Deus Bikwasizehi (Buhwejhu county MP), this would avoid the depletion of fish in lakes.

“This might be the only solution to ensure that people abandon using illegal fishing methods,” he told leaders of Kalangala district and the beach management units during a meeting on Saturday.

He was responding to Kyoga MP Ojok Bileo’s request for the committee to fight illegal fishing. “I wonder whether we shall have any fish in the lakes in the next 10 years,” Bileo said.

He added that despite warning against indiscriminate fishing, the fishermen had refused to abandon the act.

“A farmer clears his land and prepares it for the next planting season. Since lakes are not owned by individuals, whoever picks a boat and nets goes fishing and does not care about what will happen tomorrow.”

Bujumba MP Fred Badda said: “Local leaders are pointing fingers at the Police, which are also accusing the beach management units that claim that the fisheries departments are to blame for indiscriminate fishing. Soon, you will include Members of Parliament in this saga.”