KWANIA, October 16, 2025 – Fishermen from five sub-counties in Kwania district have officially launched a credit cooperative society aimed at improving access to affordable credit.
The new cooperative, named Kwania Fishermen Cooperative Society Limited, boasts over 1,000 members drawn from Ayabi Town Council, and the sub-counties of Chawente, Atongtidi, Nambieso, and Ayabi. It was established earlier this year following a presidential pledge to support fishing communities on Lake Kwania, and other lakes in the country.
Presiding over the launch ceremony at the Kwania District headquarters on Tuesday, the Deputy Resident District Commissioner, Abraham Aturu Balmoi, revealed that the government has earmarked Shs 1 billion to support fishing cooperatives.
“We are not here to waste time. We are here to launch a cooperative society that will enable us to access government funds,” he said. “The government has allocated Shs 1 billion to support fishing cooperatives nationwide. These funds will be loaned out to fishermen at low interest rates.”
Emmanuel Felix Okwang, the Kwania District Commercial Officer, welcomed the development, saying the cooperative would boost both the savings and access to credit for members.
“It is important for fishermen, just like any other farmers, to form cooperatives. It allows them to bulk their products for better bargaining power, save collectively, and access affordable credit to grow together,” he said in an interview.
The Kwania District Fisheries Officer, Ronald Otim noted that the initiative has come at a critical time when many fishermen had been forced out of business.
“So far, 1,086 fishermen from 11 landing sites have registered under the cooperative. We have more than 2,000 fishers in the district, and we encourage the rest to join so they can also benefit from this opportunity,” he added.
Leaders cautioned against mismanagement
Mr David Wasike Wamburu, the Chief Administrative Officer for Kwania, cautioned the cooperative’s leadership against corruption and mismanagement of funds.
“I have seen many SACCOs collapse, particularly the Emyooga SACCOs, due to corruption. I urge the leaders to be transparent and accountable to their members so this cooperative can thrive,” he said.
Fishermen express hope
Members of the newly formed cooperative expressed optimism about the initiative.
Alice Abongo, a fisher from Abali Landing Site in Atongtidi Sub-county, said she joined the SACCO to secure her future.
“I decided to join this cooperative to save the little I earn from fishing on Lake Kwania as we await the much-anticipated Shs 1 billion from the government. We’ve suffered enough, and now we’re ready to take action,” she said.
George Okech, Chairperson of the fishermen’s cooperative praised the government for reopening Lake Kwania and encouraging fishermen to organise themselves.
It is worth noting that in 2020, the government reopened Lake Kwania after a two-year suspension of fishing activities. The suspension followed a request by the Lake Kyoga Integrated Management Organisation [LAKIMO] to allow the lake to recover its depleted fish stocks.
Following the reopening, only fishermen with approved fishing gear were allowed back on the lake, leaving many others without work.
https://thecooperator.news/kasese-fishermen-unite-to-save-lake-edward-from-depletion/
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