A homemade explosive has killed a fisherman in Butagaya Sub County in Jinja district.
The deceased identified as Sadik Gavuma, 36-year-old, a fisherman based at Bubugo landing site was pushing his boat into the River Nile when it burst into flames.
The explosive made of old batteries, radio transistors, and small bulbs burst and shuttered Gavuma’s body to pieces.
Abel Wangola, a colleague to the deceased says he heard a huge blast from Gavuma’s boat but was unable to save him. “I couldn’t do anything to save him as he was already heading to the river,” he said.
Fish has become scarce due to the high number of fishermen. If you don’t employ these small electric wires and bulbs no fish species can be attracted to your net,” Abel added.
Fishermen normally connect the explosive on their boats to keep away dangerous animals and produce strong light to attract fish.
Abdullah Suuta, the Butagaya LC 3 chairperson says efforts to stop fishermen from using grenades are often frustrated the easy access to cheap materials.
Abdullah says that electric wires and bulbs cost as little as Shillings 1800, which is affordable to fishermen.
Henry Mugarura, the Kiira North Division Police Commander, says that they are soon incorporating community policing drives aimed at sensitizing masses on the legal implications for those involved in making grenades.
He says detectives have been dispatched to communities and whoever fails to comply shall be arrested.
