Lake Albert fishers welcome resumption of mukene fishing

Hoima, Uganda | URN | There is relief among silverfish (mukene) fishers and dealers along the shores of Lake Albert in the Bunyoro sub-region following the government’s decision to lift the suspension on the fishing activity, allowing them to return to the lake under new stringent regulations.

On Tuesday, the government announced the resumption of mukene fishing, 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, limit each boat to a maximum of two people and prohibit the use of Lampara nets and other panelled fishing appliances.

State Minister for Fisheries Robert Migadde Ndugwa said the resumption was conditional on fishers abandoning the prohibited “Hurry Up” fishing method, which led to the suspension of the activity.

Migadde said the government was giving mukene fishers an opportunity to resume their trade but warned that they must strictly adhere to the new guidelines.

He cautioned that the prohibited fishing method must not reappear on the country’s waters.

Fishers and leaders in the Bunyoro sub-region have welcomed the decision, saying the suspension had disrupted livelihoods and left many families struggling to meet their basic needs.

Robert Gingyera, the Chairperson of the Lake Albert Silverfish Fishers Association (LASFA), described the resumption as a major opportunity for families that depend on mukene fishing.

He said lifting the suspension would allow fishers to return to the lake and provide for their families, noting that nearly 70 percent of fishermen operating on Lake Albert depend on mukene fishing.

Gilbert Kyomuhendo, a mukene fisherman at Butiaba landing site in Buliisa District, says life had become extremely difficult following the government’s suspension of the activity.

Jesca Akello, a mukene trader at Kijangi landing site in Hoima District, says her family was on the verge of starvation because the business was her only source of income.

Rogers Okumu, a fisherman at Sebigoro landing site in Kikuube District, says the suspension had significantly affected the incomes and livelihoods of fishing communities.

Geofrey Kumakech, the Buseruka Sub-county LCV councillor in Hoima District, also acknowledges that 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.

She said the ban had disrupted their businesses, leaving many unable to earn an income and support their families.

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 says such an arrangement would enable fishers to acquire the approved gear and continue operating without unnecessary interruptions.

Under the new licensing framework, only fishers or boat owners who held silverfish fishing licences in 2023, 2024, 2025 or 2026 will qualify to apply for new licences.

Fishing vessels must measure at least 24 feet in total length and carry no more than two people, including the boat operator and crew, down from the previous allowance of three people.

Each vessel will be permitted to carry only one chota-chota scoop net mounted on a wooden ring measuring no more than five feet in diameter and fitted with a handle. The net must have a mesh size of at least eight millimetres.

The use of Lampara nets and other panelled fishing appliances is prohibited. The government has also restricted mukene fishing to 14 days each month, beginning with the dark phase of the moon.

Fishing will further be prohibited in water bays, fish breeding grounds and areas within two kilometres of the shoreline. Each fishing boat will be required to return to its designated landing site with its catch and fishing equipment on board.

The minister also directed district authorities to submit to the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) lists of designated landing sites where mukene and Ragoogi/Muziri will be landed.

Under the new arrangements, prospective applicants must express interest in obtaining fishing vessel licences and permits for their boat crews. They will also be required to present their fishing equipment for inspection and verification by the relevant authorities.

Applicants must submit their National Identification Cards as proof of Ugandan citizenship, copies of previous fishing licences, evidence of vessel ownership and telephone contacts registered in their names.

Successful applicants will also be required to pay the applicable licensing and permit fees promptly once their applications are approved. According to the government, the new conditions are intended to promote sustainable fisheries management, strengthen compliance with fishing regulations and protect fish breeding grounds.

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