BY OUNI JASPHER
AMOLATAR: Chairperson LC5 candidate for Amolatar District, Charles Osendro, (Independent ) has written a letter to the Honourable State Minister for Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, requesting for the unconditional release of fishermen who were arrested for illegal fishing activities on Lake Kyoga in Amolatar District.
The letter dated December, 1st, 2025, which was also copied to the Office of the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Amolatar, District Internal Security Officer (DISO) Amolatar, and the District Fisheries Officer (DFO) Amolatar, was seen by LBS radio.
In the letter, Charles Osendro respectfully submits his request to have the fishermen released from their current detention in different government prisons.
He emphasizes the importance of their release, stating that it will bring hope and trust in the President (NRM presidential candidate) as well as make it easier to mobilize and rally voters behind him.
“It is becoming increasingly difficult to mobilize those living along the lake shores to support President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, due to the arrest of the fishermen for illegal fishing activities” Osendro explained.
Charles Osendro also acknowledges that although the number of fishermen arrested is unspecified, their release will have a positive impact on the community as they have spent time in prison and have learned from their mistakes.
He believes that upon their release, they will sensitize their fellow fishermen about the negative impacts of illegal fishing and promote sustainable fishing practices.
In his letter, Osendro implores the Ministry of Fisheries to take certain actions.
Firstly, he requests for sensitization and training on sustainable fishing practices that are affordable for poor fishing communities.
According to him, this will help them to understand the importance of protecting and conserving the fisheries resources for future generations.
Secondly, he urges the ministry to support community-led initiatives for fisheries management.
Lastly, Charles Osendro implores the authorities to engage in dialogue with the fishing communities.
He also suggests that instead of impounding boats and arresting fishermen, those conducting operations on the lakes should focus on confiscating illegal fishing nets and providing warnings to the fishermen to improve their fishing methods.
This approach, according to Charles Osendro, will promote compliance, support local communities, and protect the fisheries resources.
Osendro hopes that the Honourable State Minister for Fisheries will consider his request and take the necessary actions for the unconditional release of the fishermen.
He believes that this will not only have a positive impact on the fishing communities, but also contribute to the success of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s campaign.
