KWANIA, November 14, 2024 – Fishermen at various landing sites around Lake Kwania in Kwania district are appealing to the government for financial assistance in the form of soft loans to help them expand their businesses.
In 2019, the government temporarily suspended fishing activities on both Lake Kwania and Lake Kyoga at the request of the Lake Kyoga Integrated Management Organisation [LAKIMO], due to concerns about fish depletion caused by unsustainable fishing methods. The suspension was lifted in July 2020, but only for fishermen with boats that meet the recommended sizes and standards.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries [MAAIF], fishermen are required to have boats that meet the specified 28-foot size, along with proper fishing gear, a tax identification number [TIN], and a national identity card (ID) before they can be allowed into fishing business.
However, many fishermen at landing sites across Kwania, who spoke to theCooperator News recently say they are unable to afford the required boats, which cost around Shs 1.7 million each. Additionally, a standard fishing net costs approximately Shs 1mln.
Allan Otim, a fisherman from Abali Landing site, shared his struggle. “In 2019, we were forced to stop fishing, and up to now, I haven’t been able to resume because the fishing equipment is too expensive. The government should provide us with loans so we can get back to work,” he said.
Another fisherman, Tony Obel, echoed the appeal, urging the government to offer soft loans to help them purchase the necessary equipment. “Fishing gear is very costly. We need financial support to invest in our work and continue fishing,” he said.
Patrick Onyum Okwang, the LCIII Chairman of Atongtidi Subcounty, praised the fishermen for adhering to the recommended fishing practices. “I commend the fishermen at our landing sites for accepting the use of the recommended fishing gear. However, many are facing financial difficulties and need support to afford the required equipment,” he said. He also called on the government to introduce alternative livelihood programmes to improve the lives of the fishermen.
Arikwanga Richard Noon, the Kwania Resident District Commissioner, warned against illegal fishing practices. He encouraged the fishermen to take advantage of government programmes such as Emyooga and the Parish Development Model [PDM], which are designed to offer financial and business support to communities.
https://thecooperator.news/updf-destroys-illegal-fishing-gear-worth-shs-137mln/
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