UEGCL Seeks Closure of Nile Landing Site Over Security Concerns

The District Security Committee is considering the closure of a section of the Nile Fishing Landing Site in Njeru Municipality, a location utilized by over 200 fishermen. The Uganda Electricity Generation Company Limited (UEGCL) has put forward this proposal, citing significant security threats to nearby infrastructure and substantial financial losses incurred from turbine maintenance.

According to officials, fishing nets frequently enter the turbines of the power stations, necessitating costly repairs. UEGCL estimates that turbine maintenance costs around Shs80 million, with an additional Shs3.6 billion in losses due to downtime. The Deputy Resident District Commissioner, Richard Kakwezi, also highlighted that the landing site is not officially gazetted, aligning with a presidential directive against such operations.

However, the proposal has sparked discontent among the local community. Yasin Kyaze, the Mayor of Njeru Municipality, expressed his disappointment at learning about the closure plan through security channels rather than direct consultation. Fishermen, some of whom have operated at the site for decades, suspect underlying motives, pointing to past instances where landing sites were cleared for hotel development.

“We suspect there is a hidden agenda behind this proposal,” stated fisherman Ibra Kavuma, who has worked at the site for 30 years. He questioned UEGCL’s claims about nets damaging turbines, noting a lack of prior communication from the company on this issue.

UEGCL, which operates the Nalubaale and Kiira power stations, has emphasized that uncontrolled access by fishing boats poses risks to public safety and the facilities themselves. The company recommends establishing 1.5km buffer zones and relocating landing sites. While UEGCL’s role is to assess and report risks, the decision-making process for relocation falls outside its direct mandate. Consultations involving various stakeholders, including government ministers and community leaders, are reportedly underway, with a ministerial site visit planned.

For more details, visit https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/uegcl-wants-nile-landing-site-closed-over-power-plant-security-5626454