By Kabuye Ronald
Fishing communities along the shores of Lake Albert are demanding urgent government intervention following intensified security operations and new fishing restrictions that residents say are destroying livelihoods and deepening poverty in the oil-rich region.
The appeal was made by the Kingfisher Affected People’s Network (KAPN), a community-based organization representing fisherfolk and lakeshore residents in Buhuuka Parish, Kikuube District. The group says recent directives enforced by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Marine Unit have severely disrupted fishing activities, the main source of income for thousands of households.
Communities from Kyakapere A&B, Nsonga, Nsunzu A&B, Kyina, and Kyabasambu have formally petitioned the Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries over the measures, which include limiting each landing site to only 30 boats, introducing mandatory permits and registration requirements, and imposing restrictions on fishing gear and boat sizes.
Residents say the measures have sparked fear and uncertainty among families that have depended on fishing for generations.
“Fishing is the only livelihood we inherited from our parents. Today, our communities are being pushed into desperation without any clear alternatives,” said Nyandera Joyce.
Tensions escalated further after recent enforcement operations in which nine fishing boats were reportedly impounded and several individuals arrested by UPDF personnel on the lake.
Community leaders argue that the restrictions come at a time when residents are already grappling with the impacts of the Kingfisher Oil Project, including displacement, shrinking access to fishing grounds, environmental degradation, noise pollution, and increasing militarization around the lake.
KAPN warned that continued exclusion of local communities from decision-making processes risks worsening social tensions and undermining the rights and dignity of fisherfolk in the region.
Among the key demands raised by the affected communities are an immediate review of the fishing restrictions, inclusive dialogue involving government officials and the UPDF Marine Unit, release of impounded boats and detained individuals, and the establishment of alternative livelihood programs.
The group is also calling for stronger protections for community rights and accountability over the cumulative social and environmental impacts of oil and gas developments in the Lake Albert region.
Despite growing frustration, KAPN says it remains committed to peaceful engagement and constructive dialogue with authorities but insists that urgent action is needed to avert a worsening humanitarian and economic crisis.
“We are not refusing regulation,” community representatives said. “We are asking for fairness, consultation, and the right to survive.”
