A section of fishermen and fishmongers in Moyo, Adjumani, and Obongi districts operating along the River Nile have protested a new fisheries directive aimed at strengthening fisheries management and protecting aquatic resources.
The fishermen, however, argue that some provisions could negatively affect their livelihoods and reduce income opportunities for communities dependent on fishing.
Obongi Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Samuel Mpibaza Hashaka said the directive aligns with guidance from President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and the Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, Lt. Gen. Sam Okiding, aimed at improving fisheries management and safeguarding aquatic resources.
Among the contested provisions is the requirement that each of the three districts—Moyo, Adjumani, and Obongi—have only 17 gazetted landing sites.
The directive also limits each landing site to a maximum of 15 fishing boats and allows only three fishermen per boat.
Despite their concerns, fishermen have expressed support for some aspects of the directive, including the ban on illegal fishing gear and methods, timely payment of revenue, and measures to prevent the capture of immature fish.
Obongi County Member of Parliament Hassan Kaps Fungaroo said some provisions should be reviewed, warning that they could economically affect fishing communities.
“While efforts to regulate the fishing sector are necessary, restrictions on landing sites, fishing boats, and fishermen per boat may significantly reduce income opportunities for fishing communities,” Fungaroo said.
He called for stakeholder engagement to ensure conservation measures do not undermine livelihoods.
“We support sustainable fishing practices, but regulations should balance environmental protection and the economic well-being of our people,” he added.
Fishmongers have also raised concerns about the impact of the directive on their businesses.
Jane Abuni, a fishmonger from Mochope Village in Cesia Parish, Adjumani Town Council, said the changes would affect supply and income.
“This directive will affect our business drastically because fishing is our main source of income. Reducing the number of boats and landing sites will reduce fish supply,” she said.
Meria Goli, who operates a fish stall at Omi Landing Site in Pachara Sub-county, also urged authorities to reconsider the regulations.
“Some of these rules should be reviewed because they will affect many people who depend on fishing for their survival,” she said.
Meanwhile, Obongi District authorities say they have already reduced landing sites along the River Nile from more than 100 ungazetted points to 17 official and regulated sites as part of efforts to curb illegal fishing and restore fish stocks.
RDC Hashaka defended the move, saying it is aimed at eliminating illegal landing sites that previously hindered enforcement.
“We had many ungazetted landing sites along the River Nile, which enabled illegal fishing. Streamlining them to 17 official sites helps improve regulation,” he said.
He added that the measures are not intended to punish fishermen but to ensure sustainable fishing practices and protect future fish stocks.
District authorities maintain that the regulations will support recovery of fish populations in the River Nile while ensuring the fishing industry remains viable for local communities.