news 26 May 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Kalangala RDC Warns of Landing Site Closures Over Illegal Fishing
Kalangala District Commissioner Fred Badda has stated that landing sites found harboring illegal fishing activities will face closure, emphasizing the threat to Lake Victoria's fish stock recovery efforts. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/landing-sites-abetting-illegal-fishing-face-closure-rdc-5475048
Kalangala District Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Fred Badda, has issued a stern warning: any landing site found to be sheltering fishermen engaged in illegal fishing practices will be shut down. This measure is part of a renewed effort to combat illicit activities threatening the recovery of fish stocks in Lake Victoria.
The RDC’s announcement came during the official reopening of Lulindi and Kagoonya landing sites on May 24th. These sites had been closed since 2017 due to persistent illegal fishing operations. Their reopening is contingent on fishermen adhering to new fisheries regulations, with newly formed landing site committees tasked with enforcing these rules.
These committees will operate under the supervision of higher fishery management bodies and receive support from the UPDF 155 Battalion. “We shall not be merciful to any landing site that still shields fishermen involved in illegal fishing,” Badda declared, stressing that non-compliance would lead to closure until regulations are respected.
Mr. Tadius Mwesigwa, chairperson of Lulindi Landing Site, shared the hardships faced during the closure, noting the significant impact on livelihoods and education. The site has since resumed operations with a reduced number of legally approved boats, and efforts are underway to construct more vessels that meet fishing standards.
According to Adrian Kavuma, the Kalangala District Fisheries Officer, illegal fishing nets are responsible for catching an estimated 250 million immature fish daily, posing a grave threat to the Nile Perch population, a key species in the lake. Common illegal gear includes monofilament nets and those with undersized mesh, targeting juvenile fish.
Authorities are optimistic that controlling illegal fishing could lead to a substantial recovery of fish stocks within six years. In a recent crackdown under the new guidelines, over 90 individuals were arrested for illegal fishing activities in the past month.