UEGCL boosts safety and conservation efforts for fishermen in Kiryandongo
KIRYANDONGO, October 2, 2026 — Uganda Electricity Generation Company Limited [UEGCL] has donated 100 life jackets to fishermen in Karuma Town Council and Kamdini Subcounty in Kiryandongo district. These fishermen are part of the Collaborative Resource Management programme.
During the handover, Richard Kepo, an Environmental Officer with UEGCL, urged fishermen to collaborate with UEGCL as key stakeholders.
He emphasised that fishermen have three crucial roles: to support nature, to support themselves, and to ensure their own safety.
Kepo explained that fishermen were not displaced from the dam catchment area because UEGCL aims to foster a cooperative relationship with them.
He advocated for tree planting, highlighting the beneficial relationship between trees, fishing, and water.
He dispelled the misconception that trees hinder fishing, explaining that they provide shade and create a conducive breeding environment for fish.
Kepo also noted that deforestation poses a significant threat to nature.
Labourers from Kiryandongo and Oyam districts were hired for the tree planting exercise.
Fishermen voiced concerns that some planted trees failed to grow due to grazing, bush burning, and floods.
They requested sensitisation campaigns against bush burning as the dry season approaches.
Kepo clarified that the planted trees belong to the Government of Uganda, not UEGCL, and anyone who destroys them will face legal consequences.
He encouraged the community to prepare land for next year’s planting, assuring them that UEGCL would provide seedlings.
Godwin Arinaitwe, in charge of Community Conservation at Karuma Wildlife Reserve, reiterated that the program operates under Collaborative Resource Management.
He stated that the Uganda Wildlife Authority [UWA] works with communities, allowing fishing, grass cutting, and firewood collection within the park for registered association members.
Livingston Ojidi, Chairman of the Karuma Fishing Community, expressed gratitude to UEGCL for the jackets, acknowledging their importance in saving lives due to fluctuating Nile water levels.
Richard Ocean LCI Vice Chairman of Karuma, also thanked government and UEGCL for improving the lives of fishermen.
Moses Olade, the LCIII Chairman of Kamdini, warned residents against destroying planted trees, stating that offenders would be punished.
He urged them to cease poaching and encroaching on the park, reminding them that UWA has supported the construction of schools and hospitals in the communities.
Ismael Bongmin, the LCIII Chairman of Karuma Town Council, appealed to residents to value the donation and prevent vandalism to attract more projects.
Enock Kusasira, Head of Communications and Corporate Affairs at UEGCL, cautioned that the River Nile’s behavior can change unexpectedly.
He advised fishermen to always wear the jackets and refrain from selling them, revealing that approximately 26 people drown annually in Karuma waters.
He added that UEGCL has also constructed schools and health centers in Masindi, and Oyam districts.
Dan Muganga, the Resident District Commissioner Kiryandongo, commended the fishermen for their organized groups, which facilitates lobbying.
He thanked UWA and UEGCL and encouraged fishermen to send their children to school, citing President Museveni’s provision of free education under Universal Primary Education [UPE].
He also urged them to report illegal activities in the park and participate in government programmes like the Parish Development Model [PDM] and Emyooga.
Fisherman Walter Otim shared that changing water levels have impacted his income, reducing his earnings from Shs 500,000-600,000 to just 100,000.
He thanked UWA for allowing access to the river for fishing and UEGCL for the life jacket donations.
Another fisherman, Ojera Tonny from Oyam district affirmed that the life jackets would enhance their safety given the accident risks posed by fluctuating water levels.
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