By Jael Namiganda
Government has been called upon to seize and stop the importation of counterfeit goods among which include life jackets.
This follows the death of more than 30 people including a pregnant woman on lake Victoria last week when the a boat capsized.
Addressing the media at parliament members representing islands led by the shadow minister for for fisheries in parliament, Hellen Nakimuli said that the sale of counterfeit life jackets on the market has led to loss of lives of many fishermen at lakes in Uganda.
Nakimuli said that the cost of a recognized life jacket is 100,000, however, on the market they are at 20,000 Shillings making them ineffective to save life in case of any danger.
Nakimuli also called upon government to carry out a water survey on all lakes in Uganda especially Lake Victoria to determine the danger spots in the lake especially in rainy and windy seasons, to help water users navigate those dangerous areas.
Hon Moses Kabuusu from Kyamuswa county said that government should put in place the money that was released two years ago to build rescue centres stressing that no centre has been built at any landing sites to help in times of danger at the lake to date.
Hon Suzan Nakaziba from buvuma, however called on government to get investors in the water transport, stressing that a boat cost 35millon and 2 engines 40 million which is very expensive for an ordinary fisherman. Adding that with good investment, accidents will be minimized on water.
