By Ali Lukomo
Tension flared at Budipa landing site in Irundu Sub-county, Buyende District, following a violent clash between local fishermen and alleged invaders from the Teso sub-region over fishing territory and the use of illegal fishing gear.
Residents said more than 20 boats carrying fishermen from Teso crossed into Budipa waters on Lake Kyoga and allegedly began fishing using kokota, a prohibited fishing method. The intrusion reportedly angered the local fishing community, leading to a confrontation that left several people injured.
According to community members, nine of the alleged invaders were apprehended by locals and later handed over to police. The injured were admitted to various health centres in Irundu Sub-county for treatment.
Umar Mwase, a youth leader and fisherman at Budipa landing site, condemned the use of illegal fishing gear and called for urgent intervention by security agencies.
“For years, we have never used kokota on this lake. We will not allow people from Teso and Bulamoji to come here with illegal fishing tools,” Mwase said. “We are determined to protect this lake, even if it costs us our lives.”
Mwase claimed that the invaders initiated the violence, hacking several local fishermen during the clash. He appealed to local leaders, police, and the military to intervene and safeguard the community.
Confirming the incident, Julius Bwanga, the Gombolola Internal Security Officer (GISO) for Irundu, said the confrontation arose from a dispute over fishing territory.
“The fishermen in Budipa felt threatened when their counterparts from Teso encroached on their waters using illegal fishing gears such as kokota,” Bwanga explained. “When they attempted to stop the illegal activity, they were attacked, resulting in injuries on both sides.”
Bwanga added that nine suspects are currently being held at Irundu Police Station as investigations continue. He strongly condemned the use of illegal fishing methods on Lake Kyoga.
The Officer in Charge of Irundu Police Station, ASP Rogers Magabula, said the Beach Management Unit (BMU) at Budipa intervened promptly when the fighting broke out.
“An unknown number of fishermen crossed from Serere District in the Teso sub-region and started fishing in Budipa waters using illegal gear, which angered the local fishermen and led to the fight,” Magabula said in a telephone interview.
He further revealed that during the chaos, the invading fishermen reportedly fled with an engine boat belonging to a Budipa fisherman.
“The BMU team managed to arrest nine suspects, who are now in our custody. We are working with police in Serere District to recover the stolen engine boat,” Magabula added.
Authorities have called for calm as investigations continue, warning against illegal fishing practices that threaten both livelihoods and peace on Lake Kyoga.
Kokota nets have been classified as illegal under the Fisheries Act of 2019 because they cause massive by‑catch and threaten the lake’s biodiversity. The Ministry of Water and Environment has repeatedly warned fishing communities that the use of such gear will result in seizure of equipment and prosecution.
The incident underscores the fragile balance between livelihood needs and sustainable resource management on Lake Kyoga, a critical source of food and income for thousands of Ugandans. As the district grapples with the fallout, the call for decisive action against illegal fishing methods is likely to echo in the days ahead.
