Uganda, Feb. 2 -- Fishermen in Serere District have accused Uganda People's Defense Forces (UPDF) marine officers from the Fish Protection Unit (FPU) of engaging in corrupt practices. The officers are alleged to have been reselling intercepted illegal fishing gear that was supposed to be under their custody.

During a community Barraza held at Pingire and Kagungulu sub-counties in Serere District, attended by Minister of State for Fisheries, Ms Helen Adoa, local fishermen voiced their concerns. They claimed that marine officers confiscate fishing gear during arrests and covertly resell the items to other members of fishing communities at neighbouring landing sites. The alleged resale prices range around Shs400,000 to interested individual...