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Pakwach communities petition Museveni over Onang Nang fish
The tiny fish, which grows to about seven to nine centimetres at maturity, is more than a delicacy to the people of Pakwach.
Balaam Barugahara, the Minister of Local Government, in the company of Godfrey Marshall Alenyo, the Member of Parliament for Jonam County and Pakwach Woman MP Jane Avur Pacuto, trying out Onanga nang fish packed in containers. This was during the minister’s tour of the district during his anti-corruption crusade in the district on August 13, 2026. (Photo by Lawrence Mulondo)
By: Edna Piyic and Lawrence Mulondo, Journalists @New Vision
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When one arrives in Pakwach district, which is considered the gateway to West Nile sub-region, one is likely to see women selling small, fried fish locally known as Onang-nang by the natives of the Albert Nile.
The tiny fish, which grows to about seven to nine centimetres at maturity, is more than a delicacy to the people of Pakwach.
Especially for the Jonam fishing community, Onang-nang (also spelt as Nang-nang) is a source of livelihood, an important part of their culture and a tradition passed down through generations.
However, the community says restrictions on catching the fish have left many families struggling, prompting them to petition President Yoweri Museveni to intervene.
Balaam Barugahara, the Minister of Local Government, addressing residents of Pakwach District during an anti-corruption rally dubbed Expose the Corrupt at St. Mary’s Primary School, Omach on August 13, 2026. (Photo by Lawrence Mulondo)
While interacting with local government minister Balaam Barugahara during an anti-corruption rally dubbed “Expose the Corrupt” at St. Mary’s Primary School Omach on Thursday (August 13), residents complained that the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Fisheries Protection Unit had banned them from fishing Onang-nang, branding the practice illegal because of the fish’s small size.
The residents told the minister that many families depend on fishing and farming around the lake for survival. They also said some farmers use small boats to cross the water to access their gardens, but are sometimes arrested by security personnel, while their boats are allegedly destroyed.
They appealed to the President to introduce new guidelines that recognise the unique nature of Onang-nang and allow the community to fish it sustainably.
Residents said such guidelines would help protect their livelihoods while preserving a cultural practice that has been central to the Jonam way of life for generations.
Pakwach district Woman Member of Parliament, Jane Avur Pacuto, said security officers should sensitise residents about fishing regulations instead of mistreating them.
“The army should be sensitising people on the right thing to do, not just beating people around and mistreating them,” she said.
Pacuto described Pakwach as a unique district because of its distinctive fish, saying Onang-nang is not only a source of livelihood but also has potential as a tourism attraction.
Minister calls for presidential intervention
Responding to the concerns, Minister Barugahara said the matter should be presented to President Museveni and the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, in a letter for guidance on fishing Onang-nang, which he noted does not grow to a large size.
He explained that the army was deployed on lakes and other water bodies to combat illegal fishing, but stressed that its mandate did not include mistreating residents.
Residents said such guidelines would help protect their livelihoods while preserving a cultural practice that has been central to the Jonam way of life for generations.
Pakwach district Woman Member of Parliament, Jane Avur Pacuto, said security officers should sensitise residents about fishing regulations instead of mistreating them.
“The army should be sensitising people on the right thing to do, not just beating people around and mistreating them,” she said.
Pacuto described Pakwach as a unique district because of its distinctive fish, saying Onang-nang is not only a source of livelihood but also has potential as a tourism attraction.
Minister calls for presidential intervention
Responding to the concerns, Minister Barugahara said the matter should be presented to President Museveni and the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, in a letter for guidance on fishing Onang-nang, which he noted does not grow to a large size.
He explained that the army was deployed on lakes and other water bodies to combat illegal fishing, but stressed that its mandate did not include mistreating residents.
“The army has never been put on the lakes to beat up and destroy people’s lives through mistreatment,” he said.
The minister also said residents using small boats for transport should be allowed to move freely, particularly when travelling to their gardens or conducting other legitimate businesses.
“These people do not have a ferry to help them navigate the water, so no one should charge them for moving on water with their boats,” he said.
Barugahara urged authorities to instead trace people selling illegal fishing gear, saying such individuals facilitate and encourage young people to engage in illegal fishing.
He described charging residents for using their own boats for transport as corruption and called for officers accused of misconduct to be reported and prosecuted through the appropriate UPDF mechanisms.
‘We are people of the waters’
Jonam County Member of Parliament Godfrey Marshall Alenyo welcomed the minister’s guidance, stressing that fishing is deeply embedded in the identity of the Jonam people.
“The Jonam are people of the waters. Fishing is not only a livelihood for us; it is a tradition carried on from one generation to another,” Alenyo said.
For the residents, the fight over Onang nang is therefore not simply about access to a small fish. It is about protecting a source of income, preserving a cultural heritage and ensuring that a community whose life has long been tied to the waters can continue to pass its traditions to future generations.
The minister also said residents using small boats for transport should be allowed to move freely, particularly when travelling to their gardens or conducting other legitimate businesses.
“These people do not have a ferry to help them navigate the water, so no one should charge them for moving on water with their boats,” he said.
Barugahara urged authorities to instead trace people selling illegal fishing gear, saying such individuals facilitate and encourage young people to engage in illegal fishing.
He described charging residents for using their own boats for transport as corruption and called for officers accused of misconduct to be reported and prosecuted through the appropriate UPDF mechanisms.
‘We are people of the waters’
Jonam County Member of Parliament Godfrey Marshall Alenyo welcomed the minister’s guidance, stressing that fishing is deeply embedded in the identity of the Jonam people.
“The Jonam are people of the waters. Fishing is not only a livelihood for us; it is a tradition carried on from one generation to another,” Alenyo said.
For the residents, the fight over Onang nang is therefore not simply about access to a small fish. It is about protecting a source of income, preserving a cultural heritage and ensuring that a community whose life has long been tied to the waters can continue to pass its traditions to future generations.