By KT Reporter
Cage fish farmers in Jinja City are reeling from heavy losses after floating vegetation, commonly known as sudds, swept through their farms on Lake Victoria, destroying cages and disrupting operations.
Majid Magumba, chairperson of the Cage Fish Farmers Association in Jinja, says he lost 20 fish cages valued at Shs360 million after the invasion on the night of April 27, 2026.
Each cage held about two tonnes of fish, with a kilogram estimated at Shs9,000, translating into significant financial loss after the fish escaped when the cages were overwhelmed.
The sudds, thick floating mats largely made up of invasive water hyacinth, papyrus, and other debris, covered more than 100 cages in Masese Cell, Southern Division. Their weight pressed down on the nets, forcing fish out into the open lake.
“This is a total setback,” Magumba said, noting that he had taken loans from multiple banks to establish the farm.
He is now calling for government intervention, including early warning systems to track and manage floating vegetation before it reaches fish farms. Other farmers say the impact goes beyond immediate losses.
Nusurah Haya says the vegetation has disrupted feeding schedules and blocked access routes to the cages, making routine monitoring difficult.
Hamida Musobya adds that the sudds carry pollutants that reduce oxygen levels in the water, stunting fish growth.
She also warns of dangerous reptiles hiding within the vegetation, posing risks to farmers and possibly preying on fish inside the cages.
John Bosco Akella, a conservationist based in Jinja, says escaped fish, especially non-native species, can destabilize lake ecosystems.
“Exotic fish tend to outcompete indigenous species for food and habitat,” Akella explained.
“They can also interbreed with native species, weakening genetic integrity, and introduce diseases and parasites that local species are not resistant to.” He notes that limited monitoring systems and outdated technology among farmers and local authorities make it difficult to prevent or respond to such incidents.
Floating sudds have repeatedly affected Uganda’s water bodies. In 2020, similar vegetation invaded Nalubaale and Kiira dams, triggering a nationwide power blackout. Farmers are now urging authorities to act quickly to prevent further destruction, warning that without intervention, both livelihoods and aquatic ecosystems remain at risk.
-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
