The National Resistance Movement presidential candidate, Mr Yoweri Museveni, has proposed limiting the number of people fishing on Lake Albert, a move that has sparked concern among fishing communities who fear it could threaten their livelihoods. Speaking to fishermen in Kikuube District, Mr Museveni, the incumbent, said the government plans to hold consultations aimed at determining how many people should be allowed to fish on the lake and under what conditions.
He said the proposal is intended to curb illegal fishing practices and protect fish stocks from depletion. However, several fishermen have expressed concern over the plan, particularly the suggestion that those removed from the lake should shift to fish farming instead. Addressing NRM supporters during a campaign rally in Kikuube on Saturday, Mr Museveni said fishing is not the only way to earn a living from fish and urged fishermen to consider fish farming, which he described as a profitable venture that requires little land.
He cited his own experience, saying he earns a net income of Shs140 million annually from two fish ponds on one acre of land. ‘The logic is who should remain on the lake, how many, and why,’ Mr Museveni said. ‘Then the surplus can do fish farming, and we shall get a lot of money from this industry.’ He added that conflicts on the lake are unnecessary, insisting that fish farming is a viable alternative.
He said the government plans to establish fish ponds in Buliisa District, located in the Rift Valley, similar to those on his farm in Lira, after determining who should remain on the lake. Mr Museveni also said he would consult elders from fishing communities in districts such as Buliisa and Pakwach. He said in the past, the Abakoga clan did not catch immature fish and protected fish breeding grounds, practices he said helped sustain fish stocks.
Last Thursday, while campaigning in Buliisa District, Mr Museveni reaffirmed that soldiers deployed on Lake Albert would not be withdrawn, despite repeated appeals from fishermen and local leaders. ‘The army cannot easily be pulled out because of the chaos in DR Congo and Tanzania. They invade our lakes, so the soldiers must remain to guard our plans,’ he said.
However, he directed that fishing gear confiscated by soldiers, including boats, nets, and engines, must be returned to their owners starting Friday, December 12, without any fees. He said the exercise would be supervised by Maj Gen Daniel Kakono, commander of the Field Artillery Division. Mr Museveni said poor fishing methods had led to the decline of the fishing industry, saying the number of fish processing factories had fallen from 22 to eight, reducing export earnings.
‘When I came to power, there was no fishing factory. We attracted investors, but fish depletion caused many factories to close,’ he said, blaming illegal fishing and destruction of fish breeding grounds, particularly by cross-border illegal fishermen. Lake Albert, located in western Uganda, is shared by the districts of Ntoroko, Hoima, Buliisa, Kagadi, and Kikuube.
Fishermen interviewed said fishing is their only source of income and that fish farming is not a realistic alternative for many. ‘Fishing is our life. We inherited this work from our parents,’ said Mr James Kato, a fisherman at Wanseko landing site in Buliisa District. ‘Fish farming needs land, capital, and skills, which many of us do not have.’ Mr Patrick Mugisha, a fisherman from Kikuube District, questioned how the government would decide who remains on the lake.
‘We fear that only the rich or well-connected will be allowed to fish. The lake belongs to all Ugandans,’ he said.Ms Sarah Nyamweso, a fish trader from Ntoroko District, said fish farming takes time to generate income, which disadvantages women who depend on daily fish sales. ‘We survive on daily catches. If fishing is reduced, women and children will suffer first,’ she said. Other fishermen cited past unfulfilled government promises to support fish farming.
‘Unless the government first provides land, ponds, feed, and markets, fish farming will remain a theory,’ said Mr John Businge from Kanara Sub-county in Ntoroko District. Some warned that reducing the number of fishermen without addressing enforcement issues could worsen tensions between fishing communities and security forces.
‘What we need is guidance on proper fishing methods, not removal from the lake,’ said Mr Musa Kaboyo, a fisherman. Despite their concerns, fishermen said they support efforts to stop illegal fishing and protect Lake Albert, but insisted they must be fully consulted. ‘We agree the lake must be protected, but do not decide for us without us,’ Mr Mugisha said.