KAMPALA — Fishermen operating on Lake Wamala have appealed to government to review what they describe as increasingly stringent fishing regulations, arguing that the cost of complying with the new requirements is pushing many out of the fishing business.
The fishermen say they support efforts to protect fish stocks and promote sustainable fishing practices, but contend that some of the regulations are impractical for low-income fishing communities that depend entirely on the lake for survival.
At the centre of their concerns is the requirement to use approved fishing boats and equipment, which they say are too expensive for many fishermen to acquire.
According to local leaders and fishermen, declining fish catches and reduced incomes have made it even harder for operators to meet the new standards.
“We understand the need to protect the lake and ensure sustainable fishing, but the cost of the boats we are being asked to buy is beyond the reach of many fishermen. Most of us depend entirely on fishing to support our families,” said Kasozi Abasi, chairperson of Lubajja Landing Site.
Lake Wamala supports thousands of households across districts in central Uganda, with fishing serving as a major source of employment and income for lakeside communities.
Fishermen warn that strict enforcement of the regulations without financial support could worsen poverty and unemployment in the area.
“Some fishermen have already abandoned the trade because they cannot afford the required boats and equipment. We appeal to the government to consider our situation and provide a more practical solution,” said Allen Nakirya, the vice-chairperson of Lubajja Landing Site.
The fishing communities are now calling on the government and fisheries authorities to adopt a more gradual approach to implementing the regulations, allowing fishermen to continue using some of their existing boats while transitioning to the approved standards.
They also want authorities to increase consultations with fishing communities before enforcing measures that directly affect their livelihoods.
Beyond regulatory flexibility, the fishermen are seeking financial assistance in the form of subsidised fishing equipment, affordable credit facilities and targeted support programmes to help them comply with the new requirements.
“Our request is not to oppose government policies but to seek a balance between conservation and the survival of fishing communities. We need support to meet these requirements,” said Haruna Ssekatonya, a fisherman on Lake Wamala.
The concerns emerge amid ongoing government efforts to strengthen regulation of Uganda's fisheries sector. Authorities have in recent years intensified enforcement operations on major water bodies as part of broader efforts to combat illegal fishing, protect fish breeding grounds and restore declining fish stocks.
The measures are intended to promote sustainable fisheries management and safeguard the long-term viability of the sector, which contributes significantly to household incomes, food security and export earnings.
However, fishermen on Lake Wamala argue that conservation goals can only be achieved if affected communities are actively involved in decision-making and supported to adapt to new regulations.
They maintain that without such support, many fishermen risk losing their primary source of income, undermining both livelihoods and local economic activity around the lake.