By Frank Kamuntu
Hajjat Hadijah Uzieye Namyalo of the Office of the National Coordinator (ONC) yesterday held a crucial meeting with heads of fisheries in Uganda at her office in Kyambogo.
The gathering aimed to address the pressing challenges faced by fishermen in the region, particularly concerning their treatment by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and the lack of alternatives provided to them.
During the meeting, Hajjat Hadijah expressed deep concern over the harsh treatment experienced by fishermen at the hands of the UPDF.
Fishermen shared troubling accounts of rude behavior and non-cooperation by security personnel, who not only engage in questionable dealings with certain individuals on the lakes but also resort to torture against those who cannot provide bribes.
One of the major issues highlighted by Hajjat Hadijah was the lack of clear alternatives for fishermen who are being forced off the lakes. She emphasized the importance of providing viable options for these individuals and their families, questioning what measures are being taken to ensure their livelihoods are not jeopardized in the process.
Hajjat Hadijah raised concerns regarding the sourcing and sale of fishing gears and nets in Uganda. She pointed out that these essential tools are not locally made and questioned the oversight mechanisms in place to regulate their importation and distribution.
She called upon the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) to provide clearer explanations on this matter, rather than targeting vulnerable local fishermen.
In response to the fishermen’s grievances, she pledged to take their concerns directly to the president. She told them that the president is a listening father and at least what they have expressed has sense and indeed needs a clear understanding and way forward.
She expressed her intention to advocate for the rights and welfare of fishermen, emphasizing the need for constructive dialogue and practical solutions to address their plight.
She finally shed light on the urgent issues facing fishermen in Uganda, including their treatment by security forces and the lack of viable alternatives for their livelihoods. By amplifying their voices and planning for better alternatives, she aims to ensure that fishermen are supported and empowered to thrive in their communities because it’s a wealth creation venture and instead of being mishandled they can be trained on Better fishing methods.
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