Rubirizi,Uganda – Fishermen in Rubirizi have met Hon. Cadet Benjamin Buturo, MP Elect for Bunyaruguru, over fears that new government fishing rules could wipe out their livelihoods.
Hon. Cadet Benjamin visited fishing communities operating on Lake Edward, Kazinga Channel, and Lake George. He held a dialogue with fishermen, leaders, and traders at Katunguru Subcounty headquarters today to console them and hear their views on new national lake regulations.
Government is moving to reduce the number of fishermen, fishing boats, and illegal nets on all lakes. The fishermen say the new directive limits boats to only 33, threatening household incomes.
The meeting brought together fishermen from lakes across Kasese, Rubirizi, and Kitagwenda. Hon. Cadet Benjamin said the dialogue followed appeals from fishermen leaders about the new directive.
He called on fellow elected MPs to work together and deliver the fishermen’s concerns to President Museveni. He warned that cutting boat numbers could leave fishermen hopeless, with some falling into depression due to pending loans, family instability, and increased poverty. Many depend on fishing to pay school fees and support families.
Hon. Cadet vowed to “go down on his knees if necessary” to plead with President Museveni to allow fishermen to continue fishing without reducing their boats. He asked government to ease restrictions introduced to limit fishermen and fight illegal fishing.
He comforted the fishermen, urging them to stay strong and trust him with their issues. He pledged to be their voice in Parliament on matters affecting fishing communities.
Hon. Cadet noted that lakes remain a main source of household income. He said leaders must take fishermen’s grievances to Parliament so government hears them. He has arranged more meetings this week with elected MPs and leaders from Kasese, Kitagwenda, Kamwenge, Bushenyi, Buhweju, Mitooma, Rukungiri, and other districts to discuss the issues. They plan to present the matters to President Museveni for intervention.
He encouraged fishermen to continue using the lakes productively to sustain their families.
Story By: Tugume Muzafaru
Now if jts government directives let them follow jt nothing to do but those 33 boats should be divided equally to the all districts concerned thanks our hon