The fishing community of Namasale calls for the return of soldiers to Lake Kyoga

26 April 2026, 3:41 pm

By Alphonce Odur

The fishing community of Namasale has urgently requested the reinstatement of soldiers in the lake to curb illegal fishing and restore fish stocks.

Mr. Amar Daniel, chairperson of the Namasale landing site committee, shared with our reporter that when the Fishery Protection Unit (FPU) was stationed at the lake, fish availability was sufficient.

However, since the president ordered the removal of the FPU during the recent campaign, there has been a noticeable decline in fish stocks.

Mr. Daniel attributed this decline primarily to the resurgence of illegal fishing activities in the area, which have severely depleted fish supplies in local markets.

He further appealed to the government to reconsider new regulations restricting the number of boats at the landing site to only thirty.

He argued that these restrictions could lead to significant losses in local government revenue.

Additionally, Mr. Daniel highlighted the economic impact on fishermen, noting that the price of fish has surged from 8,000 to 11,000 shillings, driven by rising fuel costs nationwide.

Fisherman Mr. Emitu Moses also voiced concerns about the current state of the fishing industry.

He emphasized that the absence of the FPU has emboldened illegal fishermen, who threaten the sustainability of the lake’s resources.

Mr. Moses is urging the government to reinstate soldiers to protect the lake and support lawful fishing practices.

Echoing these sentiments, the Resident District Commissioner of Amolatar, Francis Okello Odoki Rwotlonyo, confirmed that the removal of security personnel has seriously affected fish stocks.

He encouraged fishermen to prepare for the redeployment of soldiers and to comply with the new regulations.

Mr. Odoki stressed the importance of avoiding the capture of immature fish, warning that such practices endanger the lake’s ecosystem.

He also revealed that some landing sites have been temporarily closed due to dwindling fish numbers, a situation worsened by rampant illegal fishing.

The fishing community’s call highlights the urgent need for effective enforcement measures to protect Lake Kyoga resources and safeguard the livelihoods of those who depend on it.