Buyende, Kaliro fishermen survive on basket weaving

BUYENDE- The ban on fishing on Lake Kyoga was lifted last month, however, fishermen in Buyende and Kaliro have continued to weave baskets, winnowing shovels (olugali) and other crafts for survival.

A survey carried out by New Vision in Nkoone, Bumogoli and Lyingo parishes in Kagulu sub-county, Buyende district last week established that the crafts business, which helped fishermen to survive during the long ban on fishing and the five months of the COVID-19 lockdown, is still thriving.

Buyende Woman MP Veronica Babirye Kadogo, said the rural people cannot afford buying the recommended 28-foot boats and fishing gear, which explains why they have continued to make handicrafts.

According to Robert Samanya, the LC1 chairperson for Bupioko village in Nkoone parish, the shoreline is blessed with palm trees, popularly known as ebirala, whose leaves have straws that are used in the weaving business.

"After the UPDF patrols chased us off the Lake, we opted to use the natural resources around us for survival," Samanya said.

Jaliru Tyaama, a resident of Budipa landing site, said basket weaving has changed the lives of the residents, as retail and wholesale traders hunt for the crafts, paying between sh2,000 and sh4,500, depending on the size and design.

Kadogo lauded the women and children for embracing the business, saying besides earning income, the activity keeps poverty and redundancy at bay.

Emma Segujja Kabenge, the mayor of Bukungu landing site in Kidera sub-county, decried the high cost of the recommended boats and fishing gear, saying they have kicked thousands out of the fishing business.

"A boat costs sh1.7m, while nets range between sh3m and sh5m. That is expensive for the rural A man weaving baskets poor," Kabenge said.