Mpigi Fishermen Receive 66 Boats and 2,000 Nets Amidst Strict Fishing Regulations

In a significant move to support the local fishing community, Mpigi NRM Chairperson Sulaiman Kaweesi has donated 66 boats and 2,000 fishing nets to fishermen struggling with new fisheries regulations.

The recent government directives on Lake Victoria were implemented to combat illegal fishing, safeguard breeding grounds, and promote sustainability. These measures include banning illegal nets, prohibiting substandard boats, and imposing stricter operational requirements.

However, the cost of compliance has been a major hurdle for many small-scale fishermen. Approved engine-powered boats can cost upwards of Shs 30 million, and the recommended nets are also beyond reach for numerous operators.

This has led to hundreds of fishermen abandoning their livelihoods, plunging families into financial distress. Responding to this crisis, Kaweesi launched a support program, starting with 66 beneficiaries at Kamaliba Landing Site.

“Our fishermen have been struggling,” Kaweesi stated, explaining that the inability to afford modern equipment forced many out of business and into poverty. He highlighted that the situation has made it difficult for parents to pay school fees, impacting children’s education.

Kaweesi emphasized that this initiative, funded from his personal resources, is intended to help vulnerable fishermen return to work. The program is set to expand to other landing sites across Mpigi District, including Senyondo.

While acknowledging the necessity of the government’s crackdown on illegal fishing to protect fish stocks, Kaweesi criticized the implementation strategy. He suggested that the regulations were introduced without adequate preparation for fishermen to meet the new standards.

He urged the government to review the implementation and increase support through fisheries programs to assist more fishermen in acquiring the necessary approved equipment.

The current regulations prohibit fishing without approved engine-powered boats and legal nets, with further restrictions on the number of boats and fishermen at landing sites to manage activities on Lake Victoria.

Source: Nile Post