Fishermen dealing in silverfish commonly known as mukene in Mpigi District have appealed to government for urgent support, saying prolonged restrictions on fishing activities have left many households struggling to survive.
The fishermen raised their concerns during a meeting with the Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, Lt Gen Samuel Okiding, at Ssenyondo Landing Site on Bunjakko Island in Mpigi District on June 18.
The engagement came amid intensified operations by security agencies on Lake Victoria aimed at eliminating illegal fishing practices and restoring declining fish stocks.
For years, authorities have carried out operations targeting illegal fishing gear and methods, which they say have contributed to depletion of fish resources. However, some fishing communities argue that the enforcement measures have disrupted livelihoods, especially for those who depend on mukene fishing and processing.
The fishermen told Gen Okiding that they had been unable to fully operate for the past five months despite participating in government sensitisation programmes on fisheries regulations.
Through their leader, Mr Richard Masanke, the mukene dealers said the restrictions were threatening investments in the sector, including a Shs48 million fish-processing machine acquired to improve the quality of silverfish.
“If fishing activities remain disrupted, that investment could become useless,” Mr Masanke said.
Local leaders called for a balance between conservation efforts and protecting the livelihoods of fishing communities.
Mr Deo Ssendegeya, the LC3 chairperson of Buwama Sub-county, said fishermen support the continued deployment of soldiers on the lake because of their role in fighting illegal fishing.
However, he appealed to government to provide immediate assistance to legitimate fishermen affected by enforcement measures.
New fisheries committees
Gen Okiding used the meeting to unveil a new fisheries governance structure under which seven-member committees will be established at landing sites to replace the dissolved Beach Management Units (BMUs).
He said the new committees would strengthen accountability, improve management of landing sites and protect genuine fishermen from exploitation.
“Some people have been disguising themselves as fishermen while engaging in illegal activities on the lake. The new structures will help identify and protect legitimate fishermen,” Lt Gen Okiding said.
He added that former BMU members would not be eligible to serve on the new committees, saying the move was intended to promote transparency and restore confidence in fisheries management.
Mpigi District Chairperson Peter Kawuki welcomed the reforms, saying they would provide a better platform for fishermen and leaders to address concerns.
“There have been concerns about the way some fishermen were treated, but these committees will provide a better platform for engagement. Leaders should embrace them,” Mr Kawuki said.
He added that under the proposed framework, fishermen would operate within designated working zones, while individual fishermen would be limited to owning a maximum of 10 boats to improve regulation.
Gen Okiding also revealed that government was considering financial support for districts with landing sites to support fisheries development and improve the welfare of fishing communities.
During the visit, security personnel destroyed illegal fishing nets recovered during recent operations.
Gen Okiding said government had consulted the Uganda Revenue Authority, which denied clearing prohibited fishing nets into the country, adding that investigations were underway to identify those importing and distributing illegal gear.
FPU reforms
The Fisheries Protection Unit (FPU) has since 2017 been involved in combating illegal fishing on Lake Victoria. However, in 2023, fishermen demanded that management of the lake be returned to them following continued illegalities under the FPU command.
In December 2025, President Museveni directed the dissolution of landing site committees established under the FPU and ordered reforms in fisheries management.
The directive, contained in a December 26, 2025 letter from Acting Director of Defence Public Information Col Chris Magezi, provided for replacement of the committees with new structures comprising representatives of indigenous fishermen and investors.
The restructuring process is being overseen by the Deputy Chief of Defence Forces and Inspector General, Lt Gen Samuel Okiding, and the Chief of Defence Intelligence and Security, Maj Gen Richard Otto.
The FPU was renamed the 155 Marines Battalion and placed under the command and administration of the UPDF Marines Brigade. Maj Joseph Ssebukeera was appointed commander of the new battalion, while Brig Michael Nyarwa heads the UPDF Marines Brigade.