Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) operatives have impounded six Kenyan boats that were found smuggling fish from Bugiri areas on Lake Victoria. The move follows a recent warning by the Ministry of Fisheries against the illegal practice.

The boats were impounded by the Revenue Protection Police between Sigulu and Sagitu Islands, Bugiri district, according to the Beach Management Unit publicist at Masolya Island, Mr Bakari Basalaki, Mr Basalaki told Daily Monitor by telephone that each of the boats was loaded with over 500 kilogrammes of fish, and that they were headed for Kenya.

The fish on the impounded boats was immediately sold off at Sigulu Island and the money was given back to the boat owners. "None of the boat owners was charged," explained Mr Basalaki. "They were however, cautioned by the revenue officers against the practice and promised more harsh and deterrent punishment if caught again."

The State Minister for Fishering, Mr Fred Mukisa, was at Lemba Island in Bugiri District on Saturday to caution the residents against assisting in the smuggling of fish across to Kenya.

The District councillor for Sigulu Island, Ms Rukia Ndiira, said smuggling of fish to Kenya has been on a high scale despite several warnings and repeated arrests by URA officials and the beach management units. She said illegal fishing gear was being used to catch fish.