By Simon Peter Egwoku
The National Resistance Movement (NRM) LC5 flag bearer for Serere District, Eng. Martin Onguruco, has called upon fishermen operating on Lake Kyoga to value their lives and abandon the use of small and illegal boats following the tragic drowning of four fishermen within just two days at the start of the New Year 2026.
Eng. Onguruco expressed deep concern over the increasing number of deaths on the lake, attributing them mainly to the use of unsafe fishing vessels, poor weather preparedness, and lack of proper safety equipment.
“Fishing is a source of livelihood, but life is more important. I strongly urge our fishermen to stop using small, illegal boats that put their lives at risk. These deaths are preventable,” Onguruco said.
According to local authorities, one fisherman drowned on Thursday and was laid to rest at his ancestral home in Kadungulu Sub-county.
The tragedy deepened on Friday, when three fishermen from Bugondo Sub-county drowned after their small boat capsized while fishing on the lake. The three victims are expected to be laid to rest on Sunday, plunging the community into mourning.
Residents and fellow fishermen described the incidents as heartbreaking, noting that many fishermen continue to use unsafe boats due to poverty and lack of access to proper fishing gear.
Eng. Onguruco also appealed to the government to support fishermen with affordable loans and subsidies, enabling them to acquire standard boats, life jackets, and modern fishing equipment.
“We cannot only blame fishermen. Many of them want to use safer boats but cannot afford them. Government support loans will help save lives and improve their incomes,” he added.
Fishermen on Lake Kyoga echoed Onguruco’s concerns, saying economic hardship forces them to take dangerous risks.
“We know these boats are dangerous, but we have no alternative,” said a fisherman from Bugondo Sub-county.
“If government can help us with loans or cooperative support, we can buy bigger boats and life jackets. We don’t want to die on the lake.”
Another fisherman called on authorities to strengthen sensitization on lake safety rather than focusing only on enforcement.
“We need training, safety equipment, and support. Arresting us without helping us won’t stop these deaths,” he said.
Onguruco urged fishermen to always check weather conditions, avoid night fishing during strong winds, and ensure they wear life jackets while on the lake.
As Serere District mourns the loss of four hardworking fishermen, leaders and communities alike are hopeful that renewed attention to lake safety, government support, and responsible fishing practices will help prevent further loss of life on Lake Kyoga.
