Njeru Nile Fishing Site Faces Closure Due to Security and Environmental Concerns

An operational fishing site in Njeru Municipality, situated along the River Nile, is on the verge of closure following a directive from the District Security Committee. Officials have identified the site as a substantial security risk due to its close proximity to vital infrastructure including the Kiira Dam, Nalubaale Dam, the Jinja Bridge, and the railway bridge.

Major Joseph Ssebukera, Commander of the 155 Marine Battalion, emphasized the immediate, strict enforcement of regulations that mandate fishing activities to occur only at officially gazetted sites. He stated that any landing site not officially recognized will be shut down, regardless of its history or operational status.

The affected landing site has been a source of livelihood for over 200 fishers for decades, operating even before the construction of major dams and bridges in the area. Many local residents, particularly women involved in the fishing trade, express deep concern that the closure will have devastating economic consequences for numerous families who rely on the site for income.

Despite the community’s claims of operating legally and contributing to local security, authorities maintain the site’s ungazetted status makes all fishing activities there unlawful and dangerous. Assistant RDC for Njeru Municipality, Mr. Chris Richard Kakwezi, stressed the importance of safeguarding critical infrastructure and ensuring that fishing operations are confined to regulated areas. He further noted that illegal activities near sensitive zones are under constant surveillance.

Beyond security, officials also point to the environmental impact, alleging that unregulated fishing practices and destructive gear are damaging crucial breeding grounds for fish species like mukene and Nile perch, leading to a decline in fish stocks. The Buikwe District Fisheries Officer, Mr. James Katali, confirmed that operations at ungazetted sites must cease, further citing the dangerous strong currents and turbine operations near the bridges as a hazard to fisherfolk.

A sensitization program is reportedly underway to inform fishers about the mandate to stop operations, with the dual objective of protecting human lives and safeguarding strategic national assets. Local fisher representatives, however, dispute the ungazetted status and are calling for the government to provide an alternative site if their current location is indeed deemed illegal.