Excitement grips Kalangala after Fisheries Protection Unit pardons errant fishers

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Several Kalangala district-based fishers erupted in joy after over 100 of their colleagues were pardoned over illegal fishing during a campaign rally for President Yoweri Museveni on September 21, 2025.

The gesture by Fisheries Protection Unit (FPU) commandant Lt Col Mercy Tukahirwa, announced at the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party’s “Buganda for President Museveni” event, marked a turning point for the fishing community, with impounded boats and engines immediately returned to the fishermen.

During the rally at district headquarters, Tukahirwa emphasized the pardon’s aim to “give them another chance to practice the right way,” while warning that continued use of illegal methods like undersize nets would deplete Lake Victoria’s fish stocks.

Her announcement was met with cheers from residents, many of whom had grown weary of the legal and financial toll of past crackdowns.

The move followed a plea by local leaders, including former district council chair Willy Lugolobi, and cultural figures, urging authorities to release detained fishermen.

“We have decided to pardon all those detained during the operation against illegal fishing,” Tukahirwa said, noting the need to balance enforcement with compassion.

Challenges linger

However, challenges linger. Fishers, particularly women’s groups involved in silverfish harvesting, highlighted the devastating impact of a two-year suspension on their livelihoods.

Florence Kataza, a group leader, lamented: “Suspending us for two years has affected us badly. We were happy last year when you allowed us to resume silver fishing temporarily to raise school fees. Please extend this opportunity again.”

The FPU had banned silver fishing to curb destructive practices, but the ban left families struggling.

“Our children’s education and daily needs have suffered,” Kataza added.

Tukahirwa acknowledged their plight, promising access to funding pledged by President Museveni to support alternative income streams for fishing communities.

NRM vice-chairperson for Buganda, Haruna Kasolo, linked voting outcomes to development gains, urging locals to boost NRM’s support.

“The 28% you gave us in 2021 should be stepped up to entice the government to prioritise your needs,” he said.

He cited NRM’s dominance in neighbouring districts, claiming 60 councillor seats secured in Greater Masaka, and warned against internal party divisions.

Attorney General Kiryowa Kiwanuka pledged broader support, stating the Government would address fishing communities’ concerns on health, education, and infrastructure.

Meanwhile, Gen. Emmanuel Rwashande, NRM’s flag-bearer for Lwemiyaga, framed Museveni’s leadership as pivotal.

“We suffered under Idi Amin and Obote. President Museveni deserves credit for peace and stability, which will drive development.”

Locals seized the moment to demand improved ferry services, healthcare, electricity, and roads.