Agrochemicals endanger fish along River Nile tributaries
He had previously caught a variety of fish, including tilapia and electric fish, using hooks and nets during times of high water levels.
Amuru: Domestic fishermen in Amuru District have reported a significant loss of nutritious fish species in major rivers, particularly those along the tributaries of the Albert Nile.
The most affected fish species include Tilapia, Brycinus, Clarias, electric fish, and Mud fish from rivers such as Omer, Unyama, Acha, and Lakang.
Clower Ongwech Owiny, a resident of Bana in Lakang Subcounty, has been fishing since 2013 and has noticed a drastic decline in fish populations in rivers like Apaa and Omer, which are heavily impacted by nearby farming activities.
Ongwech had previously caught a variety of fish, including tilapia and electric fish, using hooks and nets during times of high water levels.
However, in areas bordering farms along Apaa, Lakang, and Omer rivers, the decline in fish species has been especially pronounced.
Agrochemicals used by these farms, including fertilizers and pesticides, are believed to be contributing to this environmental damage.
Anthony Oringa, the Local Council III chairperson of Lakang Subcounty, noted that before 1994, there were many diverse fish species along River Apaa, but by 2002, species such as Gnathonemus had disappeared. Oringa attributed the disappearance of fish to the widespread use of chemicals in agriculture for weeding, improving soil fertility, and pest control.
Br. Charles Lagu, the principal of Adraa Agricultural Institute in Madi-Okollo, emphasized the dangers posed by these agrochemicals.
Many of these chemicals contain harmful compounds such as phosphates, nitrogen, potassium, and sulfur, which are dangerous to both aquatic life and human health. For example, phosphoric acid and phosphine found in agrochemicals can cause severe damage to the eyes and respiratory system.
Amuru District Production Officer, Simon Peter Komakech, acknowledged the increasing loss of fish in areas surrounding farms. However, he pointed out that the community also uses traditional fishing methods like poisoning and predation by reptiles.
Komakech revealed that the district has taken steps to protect fish species, including creating buffer zones along farms, restocking fish species, and educating local communities about sustainable fishing practices.
The district has engaged commercial farms such as Acilli, Omer, Terra Agri, Nomah, Nevian, and Tahir rice to ensure compliance with environmental guidelines. Farms like Omer and Acilli have responded by creating buffers of up to 200 meters from the rivers.
At the African Union Summit on Fertilizer and Soil Health, a 10-year action plan was endorsed to increase investments in local fertilizer production and distribution.
However, Elizabeth Atieno Opolo, a Food Campaigner for Greenpeace Africa, expressed concern over the continued reliance on synthetic fertilizers. She urged a shift towards agro-ecological practices and the promotion of community-based initiatives, which could better serve small-scale farmers and protect the environment.
Since 2011, Uganda’s Ministry of Water and Environment has been working to create 200-meter buffer zones along major water bodies to reduce pollution and protect ecosystems under the Catchment Management Plans.
The ministry, through the Directorate of Water Resources Management, is operationalizing these efforts across four Water Management Zones: Albert, Kyoga, Upper Nile, and Victoria.
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