Fish traders in Nyendo decry harassment

Fish traders in Masaka's Nyendo market have expressed frustration with what they describe as unjust treatment by law enforcement agents.

According to Kyoobe Mutebi, chairperson of the Nyendo fish traders, the recent crackdown by anti-illegal fishing forces has led to severe disruptions in their livelihoods.

"They cut us off earlier in the morning at around 6am and started chasing us like criminals'" Mutebi said. "We are licensed to sell fish that is legally obtained, yet they confiscated all our stock."

The traders allege that these enforcement agents, including individuals only identified as Katabalwa and Moses, often arrive unannounced, sometimes in unmarked vehicles or military attire.

They accuse them of arbitrary seizures of their fish, which they claim are then resold illegally.

"They accuse us of trading illegal fish, but we have licenses and follow all regulations. We do not sell premature fish, It's unfair that they target us while letting actual poachers and traffickers roam freely," Abas Sseninde, a fish trader, said.

Furthermore, there are allegations of excessive force and intimidation tactics employed during these operations.

Fish traders claim they are subjected to undue harassment and physical mistreatment, with losses amounting to hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Rauben Ndifula, National Fisheries Authority spokesperson, said enforcement actions are conducted within the bounds of the law.

"Our goal is to ensure compliance with fisheries regulations to protect our natural resources," Ndifula said.

But the fish traders insist there are broader issues surrounding the enforcement of fishing regulations. The traders call for a fair and transparent approach from authorities, emphasizing their role in the local economy while pleading for protection from unjust practices.

“Sometime when they find your colleague with premature fish, they also take your mature fish while asking you, why do you allow your colleague to sell premature fish,” said Nalong Naluwugge.

Another trader known as Faibe Nakitende pinned law enforcers on taking their fish boxes with their money.

“When they come to pound premature fish, they do not give us a chance to remove our money from the boxes, they just take it and when we reach the police stations, we do not find our money inside the boxes," she stated.

Traders also praise the discrimination these enforcers show while saying they’re some of their colleagues who sell premature fish but they do not pound their fish.

But, Rauben Ndifula the spokesperson Fisheries authority denied the allegations.

With both sides adamant in their positions, the situation in Nyendo market underscores the delicate balance between conservation efforts and the livelihoods of those dependent on the fishing industry.

The community waits anxiously for a resolution that respects the rights of legitimate traders while combating illegal fishing effectively.