Mukene Dealers Seek Government Relief Over Prolonged Fishing Restrictions

By Skika Reporter.

Fishermen and traders dealing in silverfish, commonly known as mukene, in Mpigi District have appealed to the government for urgent support, saying prolonged restrictions on fishing activities have left many households facing severe economic hardship.

The appeal was made during a meeting with the Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, Lt Gen Samuel Okiding, at Ssenyondo Landing Site on Bunjakko Island in Mpigi District on Thursday.

The engagement comes amid intensified enforcement operations on Lake Victoria by security agencies targeting illegal fishing practices, which authorities say have contributed to declining fish stocks and environmental degradation.

For years, government agencies have conducted operations against illegal fishing gear and methods in an effort to restore fish populations. However, fishing communities say the measures have disrupted legitimate fishing activities and negatively affected thousands of families who depend on the sector for their livelihoods.

Speaking on behalf of mukene dealers, their leader, Mr Richard Masanke, said many fishermen have been unable to operate normally for the past five months despite participating in government sensitisation programmes on fisheries regulations.

He warned that continued disruptions could undermine investments made to modernise the sector, including a Shs48 million fish-processing machine acquired to improve the quality and market value of silverfish.

“If fishing activities remain disrupted, that investment could become useless,” Mr Masanke said.

Local leaders called on government to strike a balance between conserving fish stocks and safeguarding the livelihoods of communities that depend on fishing.

Mr Deo Ssendegeya, the LC3 Chairperson of Buwama Sub-county, said fishermen appreciate the role played by security personnel in combating illegal fishing but urged authorities to provide immediate support to genuine operators affected by the ongoing enforcement operations.

“We support efforts to eliminate illegal fishing, but there is a need to protect the welfare of law-abiding fishermen whose livelihoods have been affected,” he said.

New Fisheries Governance Structures

During the meeting, Lt Gen Okiding unveiled a new fisheries governance framework under which seven-member committees will be established at landing sites to replace the dissolved Beach Management Units (BMUs).

He said the new committees are intended to improve accountability, strengthen management of landing sites and ensure that genuine fishermen are protected from exploitation by individuals engaging in illegal activities.

“Some people have been disguising themselves as fishermen while engaging in illegal activities on the lake. The new structures will help identify and protect legitimate fishermen,” Lt Gen Okiding said.

He added that former BMU members would not be eligible to serve on the new committees, a move aimed at promoting transparency and restoring confidence in fisheries management.

Mpigi District Chairperson Peter Kawuki welcomed the reforms, saying they would create a more effective platform for engagement between fishermen, community leaders and government agencies.

“There have been concerns about the way some fishermen were treated, but these committees will provide a better platform for engagement. Leaders should embrace them,” Mr Kawuki said.

He explained that under the proposed framework, fishermen would operate within designated fishing zones, while ownership would be limited to a maximum of 10 boats per individual as part of efforts to improve regulation and sustainability.

Lt Gen Okiding also disclosed that government was considering financial support for districts with landing sites to promote fisheries development and improve the welfare of fishing communities.

Crackdown on Illegal Fishing Gear

During the visit, security personnel destroyed illegal fishing nets confiscated during recent operations on Lake Victoria.

Lt Gen Okiding said consultations with the Uganda Revenue Authority had established that prohibited fishing nets were not legally cleared into the country, adding that investigations were ongoing to identify individuals involved in importing and distributing the illegal gear.

“We are pursuing those responsible for bringing prohibited fishing equipment into the country because they undermine efforts to protect our fisheries resources,” he said.

Fisheries Protection Reforms

The Fisheries Protection Unit (FPU) has been at the forefront of efforts to combat illegal fishing on Lake Victoria since 2017. However, some fishing communities have repeatedly raised concerns over alleged abuses and continued illegalities despite the military-led enforcement operations.

In 2023, fishermen called for greater involvement in the management of fisheries resources and demanded reforms to the governance structures overseeing landing sites.

In December 2025, President Yoweri Museveni directed the dissolution of landing site committees established under the FPU and ordered comprehensive reforms in fisheries management.

The directive provided for the establishment of new governance structures comprising representatives of indigenous fishermen and investors. The reform process is being overseen by Lt Gen Samuel Okiding and the Chief of Defence Intelligence and Security, Maj Gen Richard Otto.

As part of the restructuring, the Fisheries Protection Unit was renamed the 155 Marines Battalion and placed under the command of the UPDF Marines Brigade. Maj Joseph Ssebukeera was appointed commander of the battalion, while Brig Michael Nyarwa heads the UPDF Marines Brigade.

Fishing communities now hope that the reforms will not only strengthen conservation efforts but also address the economic challenges facing thousands of families who depend on Lake Victoria for their survival.