Masaka Leaders Raise Alarm over Rights Abuses in Illegal Fishing Crackdown

Leaders in Masaka District have raised concerns over what they describe as persistent human rights violations and unfair prosecution of suspects arrested by the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) during operations against illegal fishing on Lake Victoria.

Leaders in Masaka District have raised concerns over what they describe as persistent human rights violations and unfair prosecution of suspects arrested by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) during operations against illegal fishing on Lake Victoria.

The concerns were presented to the Minister of Local Government, Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi, and the State Minister, Justine Nameere, who are on an inspection tour of government projects and public service delivery in the district.

Led by the Masaka District Chairperson, John Kakande, the leaders argued that despite the restructuring of the Fisheries Protection Unit (FPU) and the transfer of enforcement responsibilities to the 155th UPDF Marine Battalion, fishing communities continue to face harassment by security personnel.

Kakande said reports of bribery, arbitrary arrests, and the prosecution of suspects outside their areas of residence remain widespread, undermining the objectives of the enforcement operations. According to him, many fishermen arrested in Masaka are transported to courts in Entebbe, Wakiso and Kampala, where they allegedly endure physical abuse, extortion and other forms of mistreatment during transportation and detention.

He appealed to the ministers to support efforts to ensure that suspects are tried within their respective jurisdictions, arguing that local trials would minimise abuse and guarantee fair access to justice. Kakande also accused security personnel of failing to work with local leaders to promote compliance with fisheries regulations through community sensitisation, instead relying heavily on arrests.

Bukakata Sub-county Chairperson Fredrick Ssebadduka echoed the concerns, alleging that operations against illegal fishing have increasingly become a source of personal enrichment for some law enforcement officers and their civilian agents.

Ssebadduka said the situation has worsened following stricter enforcement measures targeting silverfish, locally known as mukene, with soldiers allegedly apprehending nearly every fisherman found at the landing sites.

He urged the government to provide alternative sources of livelihood for affected fishing communities before enforcing regulations that significantly restrict fishing activities. The concerns were reinforced by Bukoto East Member of Parliament Sarah Babirye Kityo, who said she has received petitions from fishermen detailing similar allegations of abuse and unfair treatment during the enforcement operations.

She called on Minister Barugahara to convene a meeting involving the affected fishing communities, the 155th UPDF Marine Battalion and the Minister of Fisheries to address the grievances and find a lasting solution.In response, Barugahara directed local leaders to compile and submit detailed profiles of individuals who allege misconduct by security personnel.

He said the information would enable him to prepare a formal report for the Chief of Defence Forces to facilitate appropriate action against any officers found culpable.