Lake Albert Fishers Welcome Resumption of Mukene Fishing

Fishers and dealers along Lake Albert in Uganda's Bunyoro sub-region have welcomed the government's decision to lift the suspension on mukene fishing. The suspension had disrupted livelihoods, leaving many families struggling to meet their basic needs. The government announced the resumption of mukene fishing on Tuesday, subject to new licensing requirements that restrict fishing equipment, boat size, crew numbers, and operating days.

The new measures require fishers to use only approved scoop nets, locally known as chota-chota, and limit each boat to a maximum of two people. The use of Lampara nets and other panelled fishing appliances is prohibited. State Minister for Fisheries Robert Migadde Ndugwa said the resumption was conditional on fishers abandoning the prohibited "Hurry Up" fishing method. He warned that the prohibited fishing method must not reappear on the country's waters.

Robert Gingyera, Chairperson of the Lake Albert Silverfish Fishers Association, described the resumption as a major opportunity for families that depend on mukene fishing. Nearly 70 percent of fishermen operating on Lake Albert depend on mukene fishing. Gingyera said lifting the suspension would allow fishers to return to the lake and provide for their families.

Fishermen and traders have reported that life had become extremely difficult following the government's suspension of the activity. Jesca Akello, a mukene trader, said her family was on the verge of starvation because the business was her only source of income. Rogers Okumu, a fisherman, said the suspension had significantly affected the incomes and livelihoods of fishing communities.

Local leaders have acknowledged the challenges posed by the ban. Geofrey Kumakech, the Buseruka Sub-county LCV councillor, said the ban had made life difficult for fishermen and their families. Hoima District Woman MP Beatrice Wembabazi commended the government for allowing the activity to resume, saying many women involved in the mukene trade had been adversely affected by the suspension.

However, Pius Wakabi, the Bugahya County MP, has appealed to the government to make the recommended fishing equipment available to fishermen through a loan scheme. He said such an arrangement would enable fishers to acquire the approved gear and continue operating without unnecessary interruptions.

The new licensing framework includes specific requirements for fishing vessels, equipment, and operating conditions. Only fishers or boat owners who held silverfish fishing licences in 2023, 2024, 2025, or 2026 will qualify to apply for new licences. The government aims to promote sustainable fisheries management, strengthen compliance with fishing regulations, and protect fish breeding grounds.

Key points

• The Ugandan government has lifted the suspension on mukene fishing with new regulations to promote sustainable fisheries management.
• Fishers must use approved scoop nets and adhere to restrictions on boat size, crew numbers, and operating days.
• The new regulations aim to protect fish breeding grounds and strengthen compliance with fishing regulations.