(Pakwach) – Fishermen in Pakwach District are facing difficult times as invasive weeds have spread across sections of the River Nile, blocking access and significantly reducing fish stocks. The Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) has started clearing the weeds but warns that more funding is needed to fully address the issue.
For over 25 years, fisherman Marko Onegalith relied on fishing to support his family, covering school fees, medical bills, and other expenses. However, his once-thriving business is now under strain. “We cannot ride our boats easily on the River Nile because weeds have claimed most of the space. The weed has blocked the entry point at Pakwach Bridge,” said Onegalith. With fewer fish to catch, his income has fallen from Shs500,000 daily to just about Shs220,000 over the past three months, a drastic cut that has put him in a financial bind, especially with school fees to cover.
The invasive papyrus weeds have spread from the Albert Nile in Panyimur, flowing into the River Nile and covering large areas of water. Fishermen say these weeds not only restrict boat access but also create low-oxygen environments, which make it hard for fish to survive. Onegalith shared that his daily catch has dropped from three buckets of fish to just one. “Sometimes the weeds harbor snakes, making it dangerous for us,” he added.
Another fisherman, Nickson Opoka, echoed similar concerns. Previously earning about Shs250,000 daily, he now makes less than Shs100,000. “This weed has doubled our problems, as we are also dealing with UPDF Marine operations and loans,” he explained. According to Opoka, the invasive weeds, along with government regulations on fishing, have forced some fishermen to abandon the trade entirely, reducing the number of fishermen at the landing site from 70 to about 45.
The decline in fish stocks has affected not only fishermen but also fish traders. Dorothy Aceng, a fish dealer in Pakwach, now has to travel to Ntoroko District to source fish. “We used to get fish here in Pakwach, but now a kilogram of fresh fish costs Shs18,000, up from Shs12,000. This has pushed some dealers out of the business,” Aceng explained.
Benson Olindi, a resident of Pakwach Town Council, shared his concerns about disappearing fish varieties that were once common in the area, such as electric fish, yellow fish, and the local favorite, Angara. “A piece of Angara now costs Shs25,000, up from Shs15,000, because they are harder to find,” he noted.
UNRA spokesperson Allan Ssempebwa confirmed that the weeds have spread over 20 acres of the river in Pakwach District. UNRA has deployed an aquatic dredger to clear the weeds but says that additional machines and funding are urgently needed. “We need a financial bailout from the Ministry of Agriculture to clear these weeds at Pakwach Bridge,” Ssempebwa said.
The growing problem highlights the need for long-term solutions to prevent further impact on the livelihoods of fishermen and the fishing industry in the region.
| Impact on Fishing and Local Economy | Previous Earnings | Current Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Marko Onegalith (Daily Earnings) | Shs500,000 | Shs220,000 |
| Nickson Opoka (Daily Earnings) | Shs250,000 | Shs100,000 |
| Impact on Fish Prices | Old Price | New Price |
| Fresh Fish (per kg) | Shs12,000 | Shs18,000 |
| Angara Fish (per piece) | Shs15,000 | Shs25,000 |
Source: The Daily Monitor