Silverfish fishermen at Kasekulo Landing Site in Mugoye Sub-county, Kalangala District, are pleading with the Fisheries Protection Unit (FPU) to lift a two-year ban on silverfish (locally known as Mukene) fishing, which they say has devastated their livelihoods.
Led by landing site chairperson Godfrey Bukenya, the fishermen said they have only been allowed to fish for two days in the past two years—a temporary reprieve granted last year by FPU commander Lt. Col. Mercy Tukahirwa to help them raise school fees.
“We were allowed to fish for just two days, but the operations were halted again almost immediately,” Bukenya said.
“We are asking the FPU to reconsider and give us a chance to work and provide for our families.”
The ban was imposed last year following claims that silverfish caught did not meet required quality standards. But the fishermen argue that the blanket suspension is unfair and has robbed them of their only source of income.
Immaculate Kawuki, a local fisherwoman, said the ban has pushed many families into debt.
“Most of us took out loans hoping we would repay them through fishing. Now we can’t even afford basic needs,” Kawuki said. “We ask President Museveni to intervene. Our children are dropping out of school, and we’re completely stranded.”
The fishing community also accuses some tilapia fishermen of engaging in illegal practices while shifting blame onto silverfish operators.
They have called on government to establish a clear legal framework that allows silverfish fishing under regulated conditions, similar to those for other species.
“We are not against regulation,” Bukenya noted. “We just want a chance to fish legally under guidelines. This landing site supports over 5,000 people who are now out of work.”
Several youths at the landing site said they have abandoned fishing altogether and are now seeking government support to start small businesses.
Alex Mukasa, chairperson of the Uganda Fishing Industry Rescue Operating Team (UFIROT), criticized the government, saying the continued ban undermines development programs like the Parish Development Model (PDM).
“Silverfish is an essential component in animal feed for pigs and poultry under the PDM. If we don’t allow silverfish fishing, we are indirectly sabotaging the entire system,” Mukasa said.
Responding to the concerns, FPU spokesperson Lt. Rauben Ndifula said the unit is reviewing the sector and drafting new regulations, particularly on acceptable fishing gear.
“We understand their concerns and urge them to remain calm,” Ndifula said. “Once the guidelines are finalized, silverfish fishing will resume under proper regulation.”
Still, there is no clear indication from the Ministry of Fisheries on when the suspension will be lifted. Last year, Fisheries Minister Hellen Adoa reaffirmed the ban, citing poor handling and quality control issues.
For now, the fishermen of Kasekulo Landing Site remain in limbo, waiting for a policy shift that could allow them to resume their trade and rebuild their lives.