By Obed Kankiriho
Kisoro district authorities have imposed a ban on fishing activities in Lake Mutanda and Lake Kayumbu until further notice. It comes after the resumption of fishing activities in February 2023 following a two-year ban.
During the ban, over 10,000 Tilapia and cap fish species were introduced into the lakes as part of a conservation effort supported by the Integrated Community and Nutrition Project (ICAN).
The goal was to enhance the fish population in the lakes and reduce the need to transport young species from Lake Victoria.
Denis Birungi, the Kisoro District Fisheries Officer, says that the fresh ban was necessary due to the observation of poor fishing practices among the permitted fishermen.
He says that some fishermen were found using substandard fishing nets, while others resorted to traditional methods, compromising the sustainability of the fish population.
Additionally, there were reports of illegal fishing activities by some locals, which further necessitated the ban.
Hajji Shafiq Sekandi, the Kisoro Resident District Commissioner, highlighted that the ban would provide an opportunity for fishermen to acquire standard fishing gear.
Abel Bizimana, Kisoro District LC5 Chairman, acknowledged the challenges faced by people in seeking survival through fishing due to poverty.
