Uganda’s Fisheries in Crisis: What’s Next for the Lakes?

November 14, 2025 Weere Timothy

Once a booming source of food and foreign exchange, Uganda’s fisheries are now at a breaking point — squeezed by overfishing, pollution, and the pressures of a changing climate.

Jinja , Uganda
For generations, Uganda’s lakes — Victoria, Kyoga, Albert, Edward and George — have sustained millions. Fish was not only a staple on the dinner table but also one of the country’s top exports, earning over US $150 million annually in the early 2000s. But today, those waters tell a different story: dwindling catches, shrinking fish sizes, and communities struggling to survive.

Recent surveys show that 40 % of Nile perch caught in Lake Victoria are immature — harvested before they can reproduce. The once-lucrative species that made Ugandan fish fillets a global delicacy is now alarmingly scarce.

The culprit? A toxic mix of illegal fishing gear, weak enforcement, and environmental degradation. Plastic waste and untreated runoff choke breeding zones, while invasive species like water hyacinth deplete oxygen levels.

Climate change adds another layer of stress. Rising temperatures disrupt aquatic ecosystems, and unpredictable rainfall patterns alter lake water levels. “We’ve never seen it this bad,” says fisherman Joseph Ouma from Masese landing site. “You go out all night and come back with barely enough to feed your family.”

Government response has been mixed. A joint security operation — the Fisheries Protection Unit (FPU) — cracked down on illegal fishing, impounding boats and nets. While that brought some short-term recovery, it also left thousands jobless. Many accuse the task force of excessive force and corruption.

Beyond enforcement, Uganda’s Fisheries Ministry is exploring aquaculture (fish farming) as the next frontier. The idea: reduce pressure on natural lakes and create sustainable livelihoods inland. Startups around Jinja and Wakiso are experimenting with cage fish farming and hatcheries, though access to capital remains a challenge.

The East African Community (EAC) has also stepped in, pushing for cross-border cooperation. After all, fish don’t need visas — and shared lakes require shared policies.

Why It Matters

Food security: Fish provides more than 50 % of Uganda’s animal protein intake. A collapse in stocks could worsen malnutrition, especially for low-income families.

Economic impact: The sector supports nearly two million Ugandans — from fishers to processors and exporters. Decline means job losses and lower foreign exchange earnings.

Regional stability: Lake Victoria is shared by Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania. Tensions could rise if each nation blames the other for overfishing or pollution.