Mpigi NRM Chairperson Sulaiman Kaweesi has donated 66 boats and 2,000 fishing nets to support fishermen who were forced out of business following the government’s tougher fishing regulations on Lake Victoria.
The new fisheries guidelines were introduced to curb illegal fishing practices, protect fish breeding grounds, and promote sustainable fishing. The measures banned the use of illegal fishing nets, prohibited substandard boats, and introduced stricter requirements for fishermen operating on the lake.
However, many small-scale fishermen have struggled to comply with the new regulations due to the high cost of approved fishing equipment. A standard engine-powered boat costs about Shs30 million, while the recommended fishing nets remain unaffordable for many operators.
The high costs have forced hundreds of fishermen to abandon their trade, leaving families without their main source of income.
Responding to the challenges, Kaweesi launched a support programme to provide fishing equipment to vulnerable fishermen, beginning with Kamaliba Landing Site, where 66 beneficiaries will receive boats and fishing nets.
"Our fishermen have been struggling since the government tightened fishing regulations. Many could not afford the modern boats and legal fishing nets required to continue fishing, forcing them out of business," Kaweesi said.
He explained that the situation has pushed many families into poverty, with some parents unable to pay school fees after losing their livelihoods.
"Many of our fishermen have become poor because they can no longer fish. Their children are dropping out of school, and families are suffering. That is why I decided to use my own resources to buy boats and fishing nets so they can return to work," he added.
Kaweesi said the initiative will be expanded beyond Kamaliba Landing Site to other fishing communities across Mpigi District, including Senyondo and other landing sites.
"We are starting with Kamaliba before moving to Senyondo and other landing sites in Mpigi. This support is meant for vulnerable fishermen who have no capacity to buy the equipment themselves," he said.
While acknowledging the hardships caused by the implementation of the new regulations, Kaweesi said the government’s crackdown on illegal fishing was necessary to protect fish stocks and restore sustainable fishing on Lake Victoria.
"It is true that illegal fishing has been a major challenge in Mpigi. The government's measures will help address that problem. However, the mistake was introducing the regulations before preparing fishermen to meet the new requirements," he said.
He urged the government to review the implementation strategy and increase support under fisheries programmes to enable more fishermen to acquire approved equipment.
Under the current regulations, fishermen without approved engine-powered boats and legal fishing nets are not permitted to operate. The government has also limited the number of boats and fishermen allowed at individual landing sites as part of efforts to manage fishing activities on Lake Victoria.
