The Entebbe Deputy Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Jackline Kankunda has advised the fishing community of Wakiso to observe hygiene to live a healthy life, promising to construct them a community toilet within the area.

Kankunda made the remarks on November 30, 2023, during a function organized by the Fisheries Protection Unit (FPU) to hand over an assortment of impounded items to the fishing community of Wakiso district that was held at Gudda landing site in Entebbe.

The assorted items that were handed back to the fishermen include boats, motorcycles and engines.

Kankunda further advised the fishing community to engage in other activities other than fishing to boost their earnings and economic wellbeing.

She appreciated the government for exonerating the fishermen and warned them against carrying out illegal fishing.

“I would like to thank the government for pardoning the fishermen. I would also wish to remind you that, the law against illegal fishing practices will continue to be enforced if you don’t stop illegal fishing practices, transportation and dealing in immature fish,” Kankunda said.

Major Augustine Karugaba, who represented the Commanding Officer FPU called for cooperation to fight against illegal practices on the lake and the fish business.

He urged the fishers to follow the fishing guidelines to avoid conflicting with the law.

Other personages that honored the event included the Speaker of Entebbe Municipal Council, Area Councillors, Federation of Barriers Association, landing sites chairmen, and AFARU representatives, among others.

The FPU was created in 2017 following President Yoweri Museveni’s directive to deploy Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) soldiers on all the lakes across the country to combat illegal fishing practices in order to protect the fish resources that were under threat of depletion.