A section of fishermen on Lake Victoria have laid down their tools protesting the declining prices of fish amid rising cost of fuel.
Fish processing and exporting companies currently buy a kilogramme of Nile Perch at various landing sites at between Shs5,000 and Shs9,000, down from Shs14,000 two months ago, while Tilapia costs Shs4,000 from Shs10,000.
Mr Stephen Kavuma, a fisherman at Nakibanga Landing Site in Kyamuswa Sub-county, Kalangala, said they have suspended their activities so that they can engage the fish processors and exporters.
“We have indefinitely suspended fishing activities until government intervenes to fairly regulate fish prices. It doesn’t make business sense to buy fuel at Shs9,000 a litre and sell a kilogramme of fish at as low as Shs7,500,” Mr Kavuma said during an interview on Tuesday
In Kalangala, fishermen at the landing sites of Lwabaswa, Kisaba, Misonzi, Kitobo, Kaaya, Kachanga, Ssemawundo, Buwunge, Misenyi and Mwena – all located in Kalangala Town Council, have already tied up their boats .
“We want our district leaders to rally behind us and we push for better fish prices,” Mr Kavuma added.
Mr Rajab Ssemakula, the Kalangala District chairperson, said his leadership has no control over fish prices.
“However, we plan to engage the Fisheries ministry to address the matter. We are also concerned about the revenue we miss out as a district from the fish dealers and processors in Entebbe, who pay huge taxes to authorities in Wakiso District yet the most tonnes of fish come from Kalangala islands,” he said.