The Minister of Internal Affairs, Kahinda Otafiire, has directed the arrest of Ssalongo Richard Kimera, the NRM chairperson of Bukakata Sub-county, following accusations of mistreatment and oppression of local fishermen.
The allegations, raised by residents during a meeting at Lambu Landing Site organized by former Youth MP Sarah Babirye Kityo, accuse Kimera of monopolising the fishing industry in the area, allowing only himself to operate while others are restricted.
He is also accused of forcefully taking livestock from locals.
Mulindwa Kidepo, a resident of Lambu Landing Site, shared how security forces once deployed to regulate fishing had long left, leaving vulnerable individuals, particularly women involved in small-scale fishing, to face harassment.
These women are allegedly coerced into selling their fish to Kimera at unfair prices.
Further accusations claim that Kimera has illegally taken over government land and that he seized nine cows from a resident, only to compensate with twelve cows during a traditional introduction ceremony for his daughter.
Nampa Night Resty, a resident of Kasokero, also accused Kimera of forcefully taking two cows from her and having her arrested.
Residents expressed frustration with the situation, warning Otafiire that they were nearing a breaking point and might resort to violent protests.
Many of them are struggling individuals, including widows and people living with HIV/AIDS, who rely on fishing for survival.
They also accused some UPDF officers tasked with regulating fishing of leasing landing sites to wealthy individuals while preventing ordinary fishermen from operating.
Local leaders, including Bukakata District Council representative Lubeezi Richard and Sarah Babirye Kityo, urged the minister to review fishing laws and remove illegal roadblocks that have become hotspots for criminals and murderers.
In response to the allegations, Otafiire instructed the Greater Masaka Regional Police Commander, Ezra Tugume, to arrest Kimera and investigate the claims. He emphasized that if the allegations are confirmed, Kimera would face legal consequences.
"No one is above the law. Let him be arrested while investigations are ongoing, and if it is discovered that he mistreated locals using the NRM government, he will face the law," Otafiire said.
Kimera denied the accusations, suggesting that they were politically motivated.
Otafiire assured fishermen that fishing laws could be reviewed, stating, "Fishing laws are not God's laws; they are man-made policies that can be changed."
The minister also criticized the people of Buganda for electing leaders who fail to represent them effectively. He said that instead of addressing the issues affecting their communities, some leaders merely "box" in Parliament.
He concluded by emphasizing that the government would look into the laws to determine how they could be eased to better serve the people.