Buvuma District Fishermen Faces Uncertain Future After Silver Fish Ban

BUVUMA, Uganda: The closure of the Silver fish fishing in Kifulu landing site, Namugombe Parish, Buvuma District, has left fishermen reeling.

The sudden shutdown has deprived them of their primary source of income, leaving many families in a precarious financial situation.

Moses Kizito Buule, the assistant resident district commissioner of Buvuma Local government, recently met with the affected fishermen to address their concerns. He assured them that the Ministry of Fisheries is working on a solution and urged them to remain calm.

Buule promised that mukene fishing will resume once the Ministry of Fisheries technocrats have finished with Parliament.

However, the fishermen’s woes are compounded by allegations of torture by law enforcement officers. Many have complained of being brutalized by security personnel following a ban on illegal fishing gears. The fishermen claim that they are being unfairly targeted and that the ban is being used as a pretext to harass and intimidate them.

According to Hon. Charles Tebandeke, the Baale county member of Parliament, the government’s actions are part of a larger scheme to deprive Ugandans of their sources of income and keep them in poverty. “The government is intentionally making it difficult for people to earn a living,” he said. “This is not just about fishing, it’s about the livelihoods of entire communities.”

As the fishermen wait for a resolution, many are being forced to leave the landing site in search of alternative sources of income. Some are migrating to nearby cities, where they hope to find work in other industries. Others are trying their hand at new economic activities, such as petty trade or small-scale entrepreneurship.

The situation in Buvuma District highlights the need for sustainable solutions to support local communities. The government’s efforts to address this issue are crucial, and it is essential that they work closely with local communities to find solutions that work for everyone.

The closure of the mukene fishing barn has also raised questions about the government’s commitment to supporting small-scale fishermen. Many are wondering if the government is prioritizing the interests of large-scale fishing operators over those of small-scale fishermen.

As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the fishermen of Buvuma District need support and they need it now. The government must take immediate action to address their concerns and find a solution that works for everyone. Anything less would be a betrayal of the trust that these communities have placed in their leaders.