MUGABE R
Operations of 67 fishing vessels at Rwenshama Landing Site along Lake Edward in Bwambara Sub County, Rukungiri District, have been suspended following a Presidential directive to regulate fishing activities for the betterment of the industry.
Rwenshama Landing Site had been accommodating 100 fishing vessels, of which 67 were suspended effective Monday, 27th April 2026, retaining 33 vessels for appropriate fishing activities recommended by the President to safeguard the quality and quantity of fish in the market.
The Resident District Commissioner (RDC) for Rukungiri, Buroni Kikanshemeza, chairing the preparatory meeting today, 23rd April 2026, at the landing site, reiterated the Presidential vision to combat overfishing, substandard nets, corruption, and protect breeding zones to secure quality and quantity fish in the market, highlighting the ongoing issue of premature fish harvesting and the crisis.
The District Fisheries Officer for Rukungiri, Dan Mugyenyi Byamugisha, clarified government sensitization on the awareness of the limited fish market caused by poor fishing methods along lakes in the country and interventions to restore quality and quantity by regulating fishing activities through reduction of fishing vessels, preventing exploitation, discouraging inappropriate fishing methods, and protecting breeding zones for fish multiplication and market expansion.
The Chairperson LC3 for Bwambara Sub County, Christopher Kagayano, criticized the development over job losses given the high population of Bwambara Sub County, totaling 47,300 people who rely on the lake for food and income. He noted that this could increase crime in the area and instead proposed retention of the 100 vessels and suspension of any additional ones.
The fishermen Gideon Arinaitwe, Nasari Amina, and Sowedi Amidu expressed pain over the suspension of the vessels they rely on for survival without alternative livelihoods, and advocated for amendment of the enforcement.
The Mayor for Rukungiri Municipality and vessel owner at Rwenshama Landing Site commended the enforcement for restoring the quality and quantity of fish and called on fellow fishermen to adhere to the regulations for the betterment of the industry.
The Resident District Commissioner (RDC) for Rukungiri, Buroni Kikanshemeza, consoled fishermen not to panic over losing jobs, assuring continuity but with reduced vessels and compensation through alternative livelihood empowerment.
