Buvuma residents petition EOC over lake traffic rules, conduct of marine officers

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Residents of Buvuma district have petitioned the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC), seeking clearer and more practical traffic regulations on Lake Victoria, saying the absence of a well-defined legal framework has complicated the handling of accidents and other crimes on the water.

Speaking during an EOC community engagement in Buvuma on July 10, 2026, Betty Nakyoobe, a resident, urged the commission to advocate for laws that reflect the realities of communities whose livelihoods depend on the lake.

"The lake has no traffic officers like we have on the roads. When one boat knocks another, or an accident causes loss of life, there are no clear laws to guide the proceedings," Nakyoobe said.

She appealed to the government to introduce favourable and enforceable lake traffic regulations that would improve safety while helping law enforcement agencies fight crime on the water.

Patricia Ahuura Baseka, the Legal Officer for Equal Opportunities Commission, addressing the residents of Buvuma district on Friday. (Photo by Henry Nsubuga)

Nakyoobe also accused some UPDF officers deployed on the lake of diverting confiscated fish for personal gain instead of ensuring it benefits the public.

"The fish confiscated from fishermen ends up being sold by the same officers who seize it. This discourages people from supporting enforcement operations," she alleged.

The Minister of State for Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Robert Ndugwa Migadde, who also doubles as the area Member of Parliament, acknowledged the concerns raised and said discipline among enforcement officers was necessary.

"There should indeed be sanity among the officers enforcing the law. Government will intervene to address these concerns so that the law is implemented fairly," he said.

He added that fish confiscated from illegal fishermen should, where legally permissible, benefit surrounding communities instead of being misused.

"If fish is confiscated, it should be given to the local communities to eat. This will also encourage them to remain vigilant and support efforts to eliminate illegal fishing," he said.

The minister thanked Buvuma residents for the overwhelming support they accorded him during the elections, pledging to continue lobbying for improved services in the island district.

Buvuma district chairperson Matia Nixon Ochieng commended the Equal Opportunities Commission for taking its public education programme to the district.

"We appreciate the commission for choosing to come to Buvuma and listen to our unique challenges. This engagement gives our people an opportunity to present issues that have affected them for years," Ochieng said.

Patricia Ahuura Baseka, the EOC legal officer, educated residents on the commission's mandate, saying it is responsible for promoting equal opportunities and addressing discrimination in access to services.

She urged residents, particularly those living around the lake, to understand their constitutional rights and report cases where they feel unfairly treated.

"We are here to ensure every Ugandan enjoys equal opportunities regardless of where they live. Communities should speak out whenever they face discrimination or unequal treatment," Baseka said.

Zubeda Nansamba, the commission's training and education officer, emphasised the importance of equality in service delivery and inclusive development.

She urged contractors, government agencies and other stakeholders to consider the needs of persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups during the planning and implementation of projects.

"Development should benefit everyone. Contractors and stakeholders must always plan for people with special needs so that no one is left behind," Nansamba said.

Residents also appealed for continued engagement between government institutions and island communities to address persistent challenges affecting transport, fishing and access to public services.