The use of monofilament nets was banned as part of the measures to prevent depletion of stocks arising from the collection of immature fish and other water species.
In Nakasongola, a total of 549 pit latrines across the sub-counties of Kalungi, Lwampanga, Lwabyata and Nabiswera have been swept off by the overriding water, according to a report on the impact of the rising water levels released by Nakasongola Chief Administrative Officer Alex Felix Majeme.
At Kyamukonda parking yard, drivers are supposed to undergo a mandatory test of COVID-19 and those who are found positive are transferred to isolation centres in Kampala, for treatment.
The LCI Chairman of Kabasombwa village James Kwerigira explains that the fishermen surrounded Kagolo in his temporary house and destroyed it before he attempted to escape.
In his June 15th, 2020 notice, Kasibante tasks Kyanjo to submit architectural drawings, structural plans and land title for area before he is allowed to resume the reconstruction works. He threatens to institute legal procedures against Kyanjo should he fail to comply with the directives.
Lieutenant Ibrahim Ssekito, the Nakasongola Army Barracks Spokesperson told URN that the soldier had gone for a medical checkup, a routine undertaken before one is redeployed after concluding his leave. He had previously travelled to Kasese district.
The deceased were identified as Ibrah Lumu, 16, a primary six pupil at Wabinyonyi SDA Primary School and his uncle Ronald Kasaka, 23, both residents of Sikye village in Wabinyonyi sub county.
Rose Namayega the Nakasongola District Planner says that the money was re-allocated from budget for administrative costs and it will be available to implement council resolution.
Before the lake is reopened for fishing, the unit has announced that only boats with the interior overall length of 28 feet will be registered as recommended by the fish act. But fishermen and their leaders are protesting the guideline which they say, does not apply to Lake Kyoga, on the basis of its water levels and cost of acquisition.
Lieutenant Colonel Benon Namanya the commander of Fisheries Protection Unit at Lake Kyoga says that to date 73 vehicles and 25 motorcycles were returned to rightful owners while 41 vehicles and 109 motorcycles are unclaimed.
Rogers Mugerwa Bisaso, the LC 1 Chairman Ninga Village and Fishermen’s Association leader, says some fishermen also attacked and injured soldiers forcing them to fight back using brutal force.
Mariam Nabutaka, the Lwampanga Sub county LC V councillor, says the rats have destroyed several acres of crops including groundnuts, maize, cassava, sweet potatoes and watermelon among others.
Kabasombwa village Chairman James Kwerigira explains that the two fishermen had gone fishing at around at 11 p.m. on Sunday night when the tragedy occurred. Kwerigira suspects that their canoe was hit by heavy winds.
Isah Ssemwogerere the Savannah Regional Police Spokesperson says the two drowned at around 8pm when they sneaked into Lake Kyoga and tried to engage in illegal fishing using locally made canoe
Water levels for major water bodies across the country have gone up in recent months from 12.00 meters in 2019 to above 13.4 meters, in the case of Lake Victoria, a mark last recorded in 1964, while Lake Kyoga is projected to exceed the highest historical water level of 13.2 meters.
James Kwebigira, the Local Council Chairperson of Kabasombwa village, says that about 1,000 people are currently residing in two community schools but are facing starvation and sanitation crisis.
The Savannah Regional Police Spokesperson Isah Semwogerere says that the Police Marine Unit has retrieved the dead bodies of two fishermen and they are in process of handing them over to bereaved families for burial.
Mariam Nabutaka the District Councillor for Lwampanga sub county says the affected residents settled on landing sites after they were evicted from their lands by Security Institutions and other individuals.
One of the deceased has been identified as Samuel Ocii, 49, a resident of Zengebe landing site in Nakasongola district, who reportedly drowned at Munami landing site in Lake Kyoga while trying to engage in fishing on Sunday night. The second fisherman who drowned at Kyebisire landing site in Lwampanga sub-county is yet to be identified.
