IGG Orders Probe Into Fishing Licence Allocation at Kazinga Landing Site

What the report says

The Inspectorate of Government has ordered a review of how fishing licences were allocated at Kazinga landing site in Rubirizi District after fishermen complained about possible irregularities. According to Nile Post, the directive was issued by Sarah Magola, the IGG’s South Western regional head in Mbarara, during an Ombudsman Baraza at the district headquarters on Thursday.

Fishermen accused Rubirizi District Principal Fisheries Officer Julius Mubangizi of revoking licences and asking for money in exchange for permits they say were never issued. Mubangizi denied the allegations. The IGG asked him to provide a detailed explanation of the licensing exercise, including the criteria used to allocate the permits and how complaints from affected fishermen were handled.

The dispute comes amid broader government efforts to tighten control of fishing on Uganda’s lakes, which authorities say is aimed at reducing overcrowding, illegal fishing and pressure on fish stocks. The article notes that the government has recently limited the number of boats allowed at landing sites as part of those measures.

Rubirizi District Assistant Resident District Commissioner Mathias Mbebembeire also questioned how the licences were allocated and called for a thorough investigation. The outcome of the IGG review could help clarify whether the Kazinga process followed official rules and how fishing regulation is being enforced at the landing site.