Rwanda National Police

Rwanda National Police urges fishermen and those involved in water-related business to jointly partner with security organs against maritime crimes.

Assistant Inspector of Police (AIP) Cyprien Uwitonze, the District Community Liaison Officer for Bugesera made the call during a meeting with about 60 fishermen operating in Lake Mirayi, Bugesera on August 13.

According to Police, the meeting aimed at mobilizing the fishers into making personal and joint efforts to fight and prevent all sorts of crimes committed on water bodies.

Most maritime crimes include smuggling of goods, unauthorized fishing and drug trafficking among others.

AIP Uwitonze advised those wishing to engage in fishing to first seek authorization while transporters should always ensure they don’t over load boats.

“Most boats capsize due to over loading. This malpractice needs to stop,” he said calling for more commitment among fishers to ensure that safety standards.

He also asked those involved in water transport to always wear life jackets and provide them to their passengers and also asked them to pass on timely information to security organs regarding those suspected to be involved in transportation of narcotic drugs to ensure that they are arrested.

Emmanuel Sehire the head of COPEBIGA, a fishing cooperative operating in Bugesera district, also appealed to members not to engage or aid criminal and illegal business, instead report such people that try to use water bodies as a route for their unlawful activities.

“We spend most of our time in waters trying to earn a living. We therefore have to take a primary responsibility to ensure water security,” Sehire said, reminding fellow fishers to avoid using substandard fishing nets which endangers immature fish.

“Some of us have a habit of using poor means of fishing, this must stop since it affects fish production,” he noted.