Fishermen operating on Lake Albert in the Bunyoro sub-region have appealed to the government to introduce alternative livelihood programmes, saying newly introduced fishing regulations have severely affected their incomes and pushed many households into hardship.
The new guidelines, aimed at promoting sustainable fishing and protecting fish stocks, limit each landing site to 100 licensed fishermen and 30 boats. They also ban illegal fishing gear, restrict night fishing for silverfish (mukene) using solar-powered lights, require mandatory licensing for fishermen and fishmongers, prohibit permanent shoreline structures, and prescribe penalties for illegal fishing.
Under the regulations, the army has resumed oversight of fishing activities, while those found using illegal gear or engaging in prohibited fishing practices risk prosecution, including imprisonment of up to eight months.
However, fishermen say the measures have significantly reduced access to the lake, leaving thousands of families without a reliable source of income. They argue that fishing is their only livelihood and that the cost of obtaining licences and acquiring the required fishing gear is beyond the reach of many operators.
Robert Gingyera, a fisherman at Mbegu Landing Site in Kabaale Sub-county, says many families living along the shores of Lake Albert are on the verge of starvation because they can no longer earn a living from the lake.
“If no alternative livelihood programmes are initiated soon, people will start dying since most families do not have alternative sources of survival. The lake is our sole source of livelihood,” Gingyera said.
Carolyne Katusabe, a resident of Wanseko Landing Site in Buliisa District, said some households have been forced to survive on one meal a day following intensified enforcement operations on the lake.
Christopher Kabagambe, a fisherman at Buhuka Landing Site in Kyangwali Sub-county, Kikuube District, appealed to the government to introduce livelihood programmes that would enable fishing communities to support their families.
Alice Katusiime, a fishmonger at Butiaba Landing Site in Buliisa District, said the new regulations have disrupted fish trading, making it difficult for parents to pay school fees and meet other household needs. She appealed to the government to review the regulations and ease the ongoing enforcement.
Emmanuel Wabyona, a fisherman at Sebigoro Landing Site in Kikuube District, expressed concern over the high cost of licences and the recommended fishing gear, warning that some fishermen could resort to illegal fishing methods, increasing the likelihood of confrontations with enforcement personnel.
Charles Kyaligonza, a fisherman at Kijangi Landing Site in Hoima District, said the regulations have impoverished many families who depend entirely on fishing for food, school fees and other basic needs.
“We entirely depend on the lake for survival. With the new regulations, everything has been put on hold. We appeal to the government to provide us with alternative livelihood programmes to enable us to look after our families,” Kyaligonza said.
Joyce Atimnedi, a mother of five and a resident of Runga Landing Site in Hoima District, said the lake is the primary source of livelihood for her family and many others. She said the current enforcement measures have left many households struggling to access food and other necessities.
“Most families are on the verge of starvation. We can hardly have a meal a day. We can’t pay school fees. As women, we are the most affected. We appeal to the government to relax the ongoing operation to allow us access to the lake and earn something to eat,” Atimnedi said.
Anyesi Bidong, a fishmonger at Walukuba Landing Site in Buliisa District, said women involved in fish smoking and the silverfish trade have lost their livelihood because of the stricter regulations. Local leaders have also expressed concern over the impact of the new measures on fishing communities. Julius Opio, the LCIII Chairperson of Buseruka Sub-county in Hoima District, said many families are struggling to meet basic needs and urged the government to reconsider aspects of the new regulations.
Vincent Alpha Opio, the Kikuube District Vice Chairperson, said Lake Albert remains the main source of livelihood for thousands of residents and called for measures that balance environmental conservation with the welfare of fishing communities.
Recently, while addressing fishermen at Kaiso Landing Site in Hoima District, the Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, Lieutenant General Samuel Okiding, said the regulations are intended to eliminate illegal fishing practices and safeguard fish stocks. He said only licensed boats with a crew of at least three people will be allowed to operate and warned that anyone found using illegal or unapproved fishing gear would be arrested and prosecuted.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, illegal fishing includes using nets smaller than five inches for tilapia and seven inches for Nile perch, as well as operating fishing boats that are less than 20 feet long.
Lake Albert is home to an estimated 56,000 fishermen who harvest more than 100,000 tonnes of fish annually. The fishing industry supports the livelihoods of more than 1.6 million people across Uganda. Government statistics indicate that Uganda’s fish production has recovered to about 680,000 metric tonnes, a gain attributed to sustained enforcement against illegal fishing and the promotion of sustainable fisheries management-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
