More than 500 fishermen operating on Lake Kwania have been left counting heavy losses after the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Marine Unit confiscated 20 fishing boats during an enforcement operation targeting non-compliant vessels. The operation, conducted this week at Gweng Landing Site in Chawente Sub-county, Ogwil Landing Site in Ayabi Sub-county, Abali Landing Site in Atongtidi Sub-county in Kwania District, as well as other landing sites in Dokolo and Amolatar districts, was aimed at enforcing fisheries regulations, including compliance with newly introduced standards on boat specifications and the use of approved fishing gear.
However, the affected fishermen accuse the UPDF Marine Unit of disrupting their livelihoods without adequately consulting fishing communities before carrying out the operation. They estimate losses of more than 60 million Shillings, saying each confiscated boat costs over 20 million Shillings to acquire and equip for commercial fishing. The fishermen say the operation has left many families without a source of income, with several operators now reluctant to return to the lake for fear of losing their remaining investments.
The affected fishermen are now appealing to the government to intervene, arguing that while they support efforts to protect fish stocks, enforcement should be preceded by meaningful community engagement to ensure fishing communities fully understand the regulations and how they will be implemented.
The Chairperson of Gweng Landing Site Committee, Tom Ojuka, and the LC1 Chairperson of Gweng Village, Bonny Odongo, described the operation as a major setback to the local economy. They said more than 500 fishermen operating 33 boats from Gweng Landing Site have been directly affected, warning that many households now face an uncertain future following the loss of their primary source of income.
Caesar Obada, the Assistant Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Kwania, confirmed receiving reports about the enforcement operation in Kwania, Dokolo and Amolatar districts. He said the boats were confiscated for failing to comply with fisheries regulations, particularly the newly introduced measures aimed at eliminating illegal fishing practices and the use of prohibited fishing equipment.
However, the Marine Commander in charge of Lake Kwania and the Lake Kyoga Basin, Jackson Nuwagaba, defended the operation, saying the confiscated boats did not meet the standards required under the fisheries regulations. He added that fishermen had been sensitised in advance on approved fishing methods and the use of recommended fishing gear before enforcement commenced. The latest operation forms part of the government’s ongoing campaign to eliminate illegal fishing on Uganda’s major water bodies.
Since the deployment of the Fisheries Protection Unit, and later the UPDF Marine forces, authorities say enforcement has significantly reduced the use of illegal fishing gear, allowing fish stocks in Lake Kyoga and its satellite lakes, including Lake Kwania, to gradually recover. Despite these gains, enforcement operations continue to attract criticism from sections of fishing communities, who argue that some measures are implemented without sufficient consultation, resulting in the confiscation of costly fishing equipment and the temporary loss of livelihoods.
Lake Kwania is one of Uganda’s key inland fisheries, supporting thousands of households through fishing, fish trading, boat building and other related businesses. Any disruption to fishing activities, therefore, has far-reaching economic consequences for communities that depend almost entirely on the lake for their livelihoods. While authorities insist that strict compliance with fisheries regulations is essential for sustainable fish production and the long-term recovery of fish stocks, fishermen continue to call for greater dialogue, fairness and transparency in the enforcement of the law-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
