A group of 40 Kenyan fishermen has been sentenced to pay a fine of 700,000 shillings each, for fishing in Uganda without a valid license.
The group which has spent a month on remand at Luzira prison was arrested by the Ugandan Fisheries Authorities and charged with illegal fishing, and fishing without valid licenses before the Standards, Utilities and Wildlife court at Buganda Road.
The Court heard that the 40 Kenyans on 29th July 2022 between 2pm and 6pm on the waters of Lake Victoria in Namayingo District, were found fishing for Purposes of Sale, without a valid licence issued by the Chief Fisheries Officer.
When the group appeared before Court they admitted to the charge and asked Court for lenience.
Magistrate Gladys Kamasanyu ordered each of them to pay a fine of 500,000 shillings on the charge of using authorised nets, and another 200, 000 shillings on the charge of fishing without a valid license noting that their acts deprived Uganda her revenue and causing fish depletion.
Court further ordered that in default the Kenyans serve a custodial sentence of one year in Luzira prison.
While sentencing them, the magistrate said illegal fishing activities must be curbed down to conserve fish for good of the people of Uganda, those who visit Uganda and the future generation.
She added that the convicts deserve a punishment that will deter others to carry out illegal fishing activities in the country.
Reported by: Betty Zziwa
