Fishing communities embrace new methods amid sector reshape

12 October 2025, 19:24

By Ali Lukomo

Fishing communities across Uganda are slowly adapting to new fishing regulations following a major reshaping of the sector by fishing protection units. The operations, which targeted illegal fishing practices on major lakes and rivers particularly in the eastern and central regions, initially left many fishermen feeling frustrated and economically strained.

However, fishing activities are now beginning to recover as fishermen adopt proper fishing methods and invest in better fishing gear, despite lingering challenges in management and coordination.

During a community engagement at Nkondo Landing Site, Nakato Mary Annet, Woman Member of Parliament for Buyende district, urged residents to diversify their income sources. She encouraged them to establish fishponds near rivers and swamps as an alternative and more sustainable way to boost household incomes.

“We should not rely only on fishing from the lakes and rivers. Let us embrace fish farming so that we can increase our earnings and secure our future,” Nakato said.

Fish farming experts say fish raised in ponds grow faster and offer quicker returns, making it an attractive option for small-scale farmers.

Aspirant for Budiope West Constituency, Mutagaya Denis, echoed this message, noting that fish can mature within six months, providing farmers with profitable returns on small plots of land.

“Fish farming takes up less space and brings more profit. Instead of growing rice and sugarcane that destroy wetlands, let’s embrace aquaculture,” Mutagaya said.

He further urged communities around landing sites to plant traditional trees such as omikunyu, gasiya, and mituba to support environmental conservation efforts.

With the ongoing shift toward sustainable fishing and aquaculture, local leaders and experts believe the sector can recover and provide more reliable livelihoods for fishing communities across Uganda.