Kasese: Fishermen unite to save Lake Edward from depletion
KASESE, September 29, 2025 — On a breezy morning at Kayanja landing site, the wooden boats lie still against the lapping waters of Lake Edward shared between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo [DRC].
For generations, Lake Edward has been a lifeline to thousands of families on both sides of the lake located in the Albertine Rift, the western branch of the East African Rift Valley.
Of recent, the fisher folk’s concern is not about how to catch more of the fish from the lake’s but how to save the lake from depletion.
For instance, fishing communities from both countries met last week at Kayanja Landing Site in Uganda and agreed on a set of guidelines aimed at protecting the lake and its resources. They pledged to safeguard breeding zones, adopt responsible fishing gear, and coordinate efforts to reduce illegal cross-border fishing.
“The fish stock is reducing because many fishermen respect no guidelines. We must change our methods if we want this lake to feed our children tomorrow,” said Nziabake Kakusi, who has fished at Kasindi-port in eastern DRC for more than a decade.
Her sentiments were echoed by Balio Thahakaba, a fisherman at Kayanja Landing Site in Uganda’s Kasese district, who stressed the importance of clearly marked borders to avoid disputes.
“We need a visible boundary in the water. Without it, enforcement becomes difficult and some fishermen cross illegally to exploit breeding zones,” Thahakaba emphasised.
Lake Edward, Africa’s 15th largest lake is one of the most bio-diverse freshwater ecosystems in the Great Lakes Region.
It is home to several fish species, including tilapia and catfish, which form a backbone of the local economy.
According to local authorities, over 80 percent of households in communities like Kayanja and Kasindi Port depend directly on fishing for their livelihood.
Juliet Tsubuhirwa Mpondwe-Lhubiriha town council fisheries officer said the joint initiative is an opportunity to reverse the lake’s decline.
“This collaboration is timely. Lake Edward is not just a water body; it is an economic artery for thousands of families. If we lose it, we lose food security and income for an entire generation. We will offer technical and enforcement support to all stakeholders who abide by the operating standards,” Tsubuhirwa said.
Local leaders are also optimistic. John Musana, Chairperson of Kayanja Beach management Unit, notes that the lake’s catch supports cross-border trade and supplies fish to markets as far as Kampala, and Goma.
“Every crate of fish landed here sustains transporters, market women, and exporters. Protecting Lake Edward means protecting jobs and cross-border harmony,” he said.
The new guidelines, which include respecting breeding grounds, using recommendable gear and joint patrols, are expected to be formalised in upcoming meetings involving fisheries departments and local authorities from both countries.
Environmental experts say if implemented effectively, the measures could help restore fish stocks, reduce conflicts and strengthen cross-border cooperation for sustainable management of Lake Edward’s resources ensuring the lake remains a source of life for future generations.
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