Hundreds of fishermen who have operated on Lake Albert in Kagadi District for years now face an uncertain future following a presidential directive aimed at streamlining fishing activities and eliminating illegal fishing practices on Uganda’s water bodies.
Under the new arrangement, more than 500 fishing boats currently operating from eight landing sites in Ndaiga sub-county will be removed from the lake. The eight landing sites will collectively be allowed only 264 fishing boats, with each site allocated 33 boats and a maximum of 100 fishmongers.
The affected landing sites are Kabukanga, Nguse, Kitebere, Songarawo, Rwebigongoro, Ndaiga, Nyamasoga, and Kamiina, all located along Lake Albert on the Uganda-DR Congo border.
To oversee implementation, seven-member management committees have been established at each landing site. The committees are expected to monitor fishing activities, ensure compliance with fisheries regulations, and work closely with government authorities to protect fish stocks.
The committees were launched last week by Kagadi Resident District Commissioner Ms Caroline Nanshemeza, who urged members to remain committed and avoid corruption.
‘Chairpersons should remain determined to execute the roles attached to them, work with the people and report any challenges to the authorities. We shall not tolerate corruption. Anyone found receiving bribes will be arrested and removed from the committee,’ Nanshemeza warned.
She said years of illegal fishing methods, poor waste disposal, and use of unauthorized gear have depleted fish stocks in Lake Albert, threatening the fishing industry.
‘If we do not control poor fishing methods and environmental degradation, we risk losing aquatic life and the livelihoods that depend on the lake,’ she added.
Kagadi District Fisheries Officer Mr Francis Xavier Gwazo said reducing boat numbers is meant to eliminate congestion and curb illegal practices.
‘This initiative will help us prevent poor fishing methods and reduce conflicts arising from overcrowding along the lake shores. Across the eight landing sites, we have had about 800 fishing boats, but these will now be reduced to 264,’ he explained.
He said two or more people can own a single boat but each pays a license fee individually. At each landing site, a maximum of 100 people will operate using the 33 boats. Across all eight sites, 800 people will remain accessing the lake for fishing, compared to over 2,000 previously.
Mr Gwazo said the selection process prioritizes vulnerable groups such as widows, single mothers, and households that depend entirely on fishing.
‘Some individuals owned several boats while others had none. We want to create opportunities for vulnerable groups that have no alternative means of survival. Those with other sources of income can engage in different businesses and support the local economy,’ he said.
He warned beneficiaries against encroaching on fish breeding areas, noting that destruction of breeding grounds has contributed to declining stocks. He also advised committees against water patrols, saying enforcement should be left to marine authorities.
‘For some time, life may become difficult for both fishermen and consumers. Fish prices are likely to increase because supply will reduce while demand remains high,’ he said.
Many fishermen who missed out fear losing their only livelihood. Mr Daniel Aduba of Ndaiga said he was unfairly removed despite initially being selected.
‘I was included among the beneficiaries, but later my name was removed. They told me I am Congolese, yet I have lived and worked here for many years. Fishing is the only source of income I know,’ he said.
Mr John Byaruhanga of Nyamasoga Landing Site said families are stranded.
‘We have spent our entire lives on the lake. Today we are being told to leave fishing and look for other work, but nobody is telling us where that work will come from. We do not own land for farming, and we do not have money to start businesses,’ he said.
Mr Robert Mugenyi of Kabukanga Landing Site said most affected fishermen lack education and capital for alternatives.
‘The government is advising us to engage in other economic activities, but most of us have been fishermen all our lives. We do not have capital to start businesses and we do not have land for agriculture. Without support, many families will sink deeper into poverty,’ he said.
Ms Sarah Ayesiga, a fish trader, appealed for a transition plan.
‘We support our children through selling fish. If only a few traders are allowed to remain, many women will lose their income. Government should first provide alternative opportunities before removing people from the lake,’ she said.