KABAROLE FISHERMEN REJECT LEASING OF LAKE SAAKA

BY FRED MWEBEMBEZI

 IN FORT PORTAL—

Fishermen at Lake Saaka in Kabarole district have opposed the move by Kabarole district local government to lease the lake which they say is their source of livelihood.

In May this year, Kabarole district signed a memorandum of understanding with Ferdsult Engineering Company limited to restock 20 creator lakes including Lake Saaka, with high breed fish at a cost of Shs 900 million.

Geoffrey Samuel Sanyu 42, a fisherman appeals to the RDC Kabarole district, Asiimwe Stephen to order for the immediate removal of security guards from the lake. He highlights that the lake was leased without the fishermen’s knowledge and consent.

Mugisa Vincent a fishermen for over 30 years said that security guards employed by Ferdsult confiscated his nets, boats. He says that his six children have since left school due to lack of tuition.

Katuramu Joseph another fisherman and an LCI Chairperson for Mukonomura village has threatened to mobilize other people to take legal action against Rwabuhinga Richard, the district boss.

Talking to www.mknewslink.com reporter yesterday, Richard Rwabuhinga the LC5 Chairperson Kabarole maintains that the memorandum of understanding was signed after a resolution by the district council, and that a meeting was convened to ensure co existence between the investor and fishermen.