UPDF burns Shs 1.26bln worth of illegal fishing gear on Lake Kwania

APAC, November 15, 2026 – The Uganda People’s Defence Forces [UPDF] has burnt illegal fishing gear worth more than Shs 1.26 billion confiscated on Wednesday during an operation on Lake Kwania in Apac district.

The 155 Marine Battalion, a specialised UPDF unit, said a total of 36,179 were burnt, having been seized by the security personnel or surrendered by the fishermen operating on landing sites such as Kiga, Wanysolo, Wigweng, Apalamio, Kampala Kagoi, Acholi-In, Kwibale, Akokoro Main and Kayei, all located along the lake.

The confiscated equipment was valued at Shs 1,266,080,000. It included 60 seine nets, locally known as kokota; 29,264 monofilament nets; 3,384 undersized nets; 3,384 cast nets, commonly known as ponyoka; 40 metallic basket traps; and 47 papyrus basket traps.

Crackdown to continue day and night

Sgt. Revekato Tumwesigye , the Apac Sector Commander of the 155 Marine Battalion, said the crackdown would continue until illegal fishing practices were eliminated.

He added: “I thank the district leadership and landing-site teams for standing with us. This fight cannot be won by soldiers alone; it requires a combined effort. I urge people to stop using illegal fishing gear because the operation will continue during the day and at night.”

John Tyang, the Fisheries Officer for Apac district, noted that about half of the fishermen had voluntarily surrendered their illegal fishing equipment following sensitisation meetings, while the remainder was confiscated during enforcement operations.

RDC cautions soldiers against torture

Apac Resident District Commissioner Andrew Onyuk said the operation was part of government efforts to combat illegal fishing across the country’s lakes and protect the national economy.

However, he urged the soldiers to conduct their operations professionally and peacefully, warning against torturing suspects.

He said those found engaging in illegal fishing should be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

“Fish contributes to our national economy. That is why we need sustainable and proper fishing methods. I urge the soldiers to conduct peaceful operations. Do not torture suspects; arrest them and follow up through the law. We registered many cases of torture in the past, and that must stop,” he said.

LC5 chairperson calls for more fishing opportunities

Apac District LC5 Chairperson Ambrose Agec Opio appealed to government to establish more landing sites and allow additional fishing boats to operate to address unemployment among fishing communities.

He said government directives restricting the number of fishermen and boats operating at landing sites had left many people without jobs.

Agec also urged fishers to pay the required revenue to enable government to plan and provide services for fishing communities.

Meanwhile, Ayo Jane Kawa, a fisher at Kayei landing site, commended the UPDF for conducting the operation peacefully.

She appealed to government to provide approved fishing equipment to fishers on credit to discourage the continued use of illegal fishing gear.

Government introduces new lake management structures

Government has introduced changes to the management of Uganda’s lakes, including the disbandment of Beach Management Units [BMUs], which have been replaced by committees at landing-site, sub-county and district levels.

The 155 Marine Battalion was established following the restructuring of the Fisheries Protection Unit and operates under the UPDF Marines Brigade.

Under the new management framework, each landing site is restricted to a maximum of 100 fishers and 30 registered boats. Fishermen are also required to possess valid fishing licences.

Government says the reforms are aimed at combating illegal fishing, improving the management of the country’s water bodies through military support and strengthening cooperation between security agencies and fishing communities.

The Fisheries and Aquaculture Act, 2023, imposes severe penalties on offenders, with importers of illegal fishing gear facing up to 7 years in prison, while users risk up to 2 years in prison.

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