Navigating Sustainable Fisheries: A Call for Balanced Co-existence in Uganda’s Water Bodies
The waters of Lake Victoria are a treasure trove of biodiversity and a lifeline for many communities. On September 27, 2024, stakeholders gathered for a crucial dialogue titled "Fisheries at the Crossroads: Unveiling the Myths and Realities for Sustainable Co-existence," where experts, government officials, and local fishers came together to tackle the pressing issues surrounding the country's multi-species fisheries.
The event, organized by the National Fisheries Resources Research Institute (NaFIRRI), FIAN Uganda and KWDT highlighted the delicate balance between the ecological preservation of fisheries and the livelihoods of the communities that depend on them. With small pelagic species (SPS) like Mukene becoming an increasingly dominant part of Uganda's fish catch, questions about sustainability, policy, and human rights came into sharp focus.
Uganda’s fisheries are not just an economic powerhouse but a crucial pillar of food security and employment, especially for women and youth. Dr. Winnie Nkalubo, Director of Research at NaFIRRI, opened the event with a reminder that fisheries are Uganda’s second-largest export earner after coffee, contributing 3% to the national GDP and 12% to the agricultural sector.
The health of this sector is vital, not only to the national economy but to millions of Ugandans who depend on fish for their daily sustenance. One of the most debated points of the day was the ban on the "hurry-up" method used for silverfish catching, a directive from Uganda’s Ministry of Fisheries. Intended to curb bycatch and overfishing, the ban was met with resistance from fishers who saw it as a direct threat to their livelihoods. Instead, fishers were advised to use the "scoop net" method, yet this, too, faced criticism for being impractical in certain conditions. For example, Christine, a silver fish fisher and processor, expressed her concerns about using the scoop net method.
‘This method is associated with illegal fishing in because it requires using smaller boats, which is illegal as the fisheries directives state we should only use the 28 ft. vessels!’ remarked Christine.
Dr. Nkalubo and other experts pointed out the need for policies that do more than protect fish stocks—they must also safeguard the rights and livelihoods of fishers and processors. The economic potential of fisheries is immense, with annual production valued at over UGX 585 billion (approximately US$158 million), supporting artisanal fishers across Uganda’s major lakes. NaFIRRI presented findings from extensive research into the status of SPS like mukene, emphasizing that these species are critical for food security and the local economy.
However, the management of these resources has become increasingly complicated due to habitat destruction, illegal fishing methods, and overcrowding on Uganda’s lakes. Key recommendations included introducing regulated fishing seasons and designated "fishing holidays" to allow fish populations to recover, especially during breeding seasons. It was also suggested that fishers adopt sustainable practices, such as reducing the number of net panels used and fishing only in designated areas to minimize bycatch and habitat destruction.
The dialogue also spotlighted the disproportionate impact that current fisheries regulations have had on women. Many women are processors and traders of small pelagic species, and with the ban on certain fishing methods, they have been left without livelihoods. This has led to rising poverty, increased school dropouts, and greater domestic instability in fishing communities.
One poignant testimony came from Teopista, a fisherwoman from Nangoma Landing Site. She shared how the halt in silverfish activities has left her community devastated, with many unable to afford even basic necessities.
The lack of income has pushed some women into hard labor, further eroding the social fabric of these communities. The call for a more inclusive, human rights-based approach to fisheries management was made clear by Prof. Christopher Mbazira, who argued that Uganda’s policies must balance ecological concerns with the rights of those who rely on these resources for their survival. He emphasized that fishers should not be left behind in the quest for sustainability, as their economic access to fish is also a basic human right.
The dialogue concluded with a sense of urgency for change. Participants called for the Ministry of Fisheries to lift the ban on silverfish, allowing fishers to operate under conditions that support both ecological sustainability and economic viability. There was also a strong call for better consultation with fishing communities before any further directives are imposed, ensuring that future policies are based on scientific evidence and fishers' lived experiences. This also set the stage for more inclusive conversations and provided a pathway for sustainable coexistence between multiple fish species and the communities that depend on them. Only by addressing both the environmental and human dimensions of fisheries can Uganda hope to secure a future where its lakes remain a source of life and livelihood for generations to come.