environment 29 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Lake Victoria Fish Cage Farmers Suffer Shs300m Losses from Drifting Sudd Vegetation
A massive floating vegetation known as Sudd swept through Masese Landing Site on Lake Victoria, destroying over 20 fish cages worth Shs300m and disrupting boat transport from Buvuma Island. Farmers are urging government intervention to manage the vegetation, restore access, and offer compensation amid fears of further damage and health risks. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/floating-vegetation-leaves-lake-victoria-fish-cage-farmers-with-losses-5441164
Fish cage farmers at Masese Landing Site on Lake Victoria are reeling from heavy losses after a large mass of floating vegetation, locally called Sudd, ravaged their operations.
Originating from Wanyage in Jinja North division, the Sudd was dislodged by heavy rains and strong currents, drifting across the lake to block boat routes and prevent vessels from Buvuma Island from docking.
Overnight, the vegetation broke loose into open waters, demolishing more than 20 fish cages. Each cage held around two tonnes of fish, resulting in a total loss of about 40 tonnes.
The destruction is valued at Shs300m, severely impacting farmers’ livelihoods, according to Mr Majid Magumba, chairperson of the local cage fish farmers’ cooperative.
Local fisherman Mr Silver Sekandi highlighted the scale of the problem, stating it exceeds individual capabilities and requires urgent government action. Mr John Bosco Okera from A One Beach noted business paralysis at the site and potential health hazards, including bilharzia spread from organisms in the vegetation.
In response, some fishermen have improvised with ropes and sand-filled bags to contain the Sudd, but describe these as short-term fixes.
Affected farmers are appealing for technical teams to clear the vegetation, reopen navigation paths, and provide compensation or recovery aid.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)