Buliisa fishermen appeal for govt financial support to acquire legal fishing gears
“We are appealing for government intervention through financial support so that we can acquire legal gears because our livelihood depends on fishing,” he appealed.
Buliisa: Fishermen operating along the shores of Lake Albert in Buliisa District are appealing to government for financial support to enable them engage in legal fishing activities.
The appeal follows a directive issued by the UPDF Deputy Commander, Lieutenant General Sam Okiding, ordering fishermen to immediately stop illegal fishing on Lake Albert.
Several fishermen say the situation has worsened since the directive was enforced, leaving many families without food and raising fears that children may fail to return to school for second term due to lack of school fees.
Mustafa Alinaitwe, a fisherman in Butiaba Town Council, asked government to support fishermen with funds to enable them carry out legal fishing activities.
“We are appealing for government intervention through financial support so that we can acquire legal gears because our livelihood depends on fishing,” he appealed.
Pr. Urombi Yesu Mara appealed to government to review the restrictions by increasing the number of boats allowed on the lake, arguing that the current limit of 33 boats per landing site is too small compared to the population depending on fishing.
Meanwhile, Sheik Adnan Ramathan, the Sheik Dawa of Buliisa Muslim Supreme County and Chairperson PTA Butiaba Primary School, expressed concern that learner turnout in second term could drastically reduce because many parents can no longer afford school fees.
Adnan added that the restrictions have crippled the local economy, especially affecting women who obtained quick loans from platforms such as Now Now and beneficiaries of the Parish Development Model, saying many have no means of repayment.
“The restrictions have crippled the local economy, especially affecting women who obtained quick loans from platforms such as Now Now and beneficiaries of Parish Development Model funds, saying many have no means of repayment,” he added.
Another fisherman, Kila Uyer, said many families are spending up to four days without food because their wives have nothing to cook at home, adding that despite the hardship, they have not resorted to stealing.
Mustafa further appealed to government to allow all fishermen willing to embrace legal fishing practices to continue fishing, saying limiting only 33 boats per landing site will worsen suffering among fishing communities.
Asaba K Musa Awera, the LC3 Chairperson of Butiaba Town Council, also called on government to prioritize financial support for fishermen just like it has done in the agriculture sector.
“We are appealing for support from the government just like other sectors like agriculture where farmers are given seedlings. We are also appealing for government support to enable our fishermen stay in the business,” he further appealed.
Recently, Lt. Gen. Okiding warned that fishermen found operating in breeding areas, using prohibited fishing gear such as kokota nets, or engaging in silver fish fishing using artificial lights, would face tough penalties including imprisonment of up to eight years.
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