At least seven fishermen have drowned in Lake Kyoga in the past two months due to strong winds and conflicts over fishing grounds, according to local authorities. 

The latest victims are Bazilio Ouma of Dagala landing site and John Kigayaza from Kacanga landing site who drowned in the lake over the weekend.

Others are from Kibuye, Zengebe and Kikalaganya from Nakasongola district. All cases were recorded between July and August.

Sam Kigula, the Nakasongola district chairman, told media that some of the fishermen drowned during clashes over fishing areas. 

Kigula says following the withdrawal of the UPDF Fisheries Protection Unit from Lake Kyoga, several fishermen have marked off fishing grounds, which leads to clashes resulting from encroachment. Nelson Muruli, a fisherman in Lwabyata, appealed for police intervention.

David Nsamba, the Nakasongola district fisheries officer, says they have appealed to the Fisheries Protection Unit to resume operations on the lake. He is optimistic that the clashes will reduce once the unit resumes its operations. 

Capt Benon Namanya, commander of the Fisheries Protection Unit, says they will soon resume their operations against illegal fishing practices and cautioned fishermen against using boats that endanger their lives.

“Some deaths could be averted if the fishermen were using recommended boats, which can’t be damaged by winds easily,” he said.

In 2017, the Fisheries Protection Unit destroyed over 300 boats that were being used for illegal fishing on Lake Kyoga.