| dc.description.abstract | The conflict between the Fisheries Protection Unit (FPU) operatives and the fishers in Buvuma district on Lake Victoria possesses a considerable threat to the stability of the country. The growing population on landing sites in Buvuma has caused enormous pressure on the lake, which calls for protection. The riparian community (living on the shores of the lake) looks at the lake as their source of livelihood and therefore employs illegal fishing practices that have led to a depletion of the finite fisheries resources. Without resolving the conflict between FPU and fishers, there is a likelihood of its effects being severe to the riparian community, FPU, economy and peace of the country. The objectives of the study were to; analyze the relationship between the mandate of fisheries protection and the conflict, investigate the factors that have led to persistent conflicts between fishers and FPU in Buvuma and surrounding areas, establish the effects of the conflict the fishing community, fisheries sector, the economy of Uganda, and lastly explore the strategies so far put in place to solve the FPU-fisher conflict. The main findings revealed that the conflict has persisted due to; increase in number of fishing gears on the lake, harsh and cruel method of enforcement by FPU, illegal and exorbitant taxes and fines levied on fishers, confiscation of fishers’ catch, failure by FPU to engage line departments in local government, FPU siding with ‘‘boda’’ (gill net fishers) against the line and hook fishers, political factor, limiting access to some fishing grounds, FPU used by NFA to chase fishers from forestry land, persistent illegal and poor fishing methods, continuous arrest, detention and prosecution of fishers, poverty, cordoning off and beating fishers on landing sites at night, and influence of AFALU on FPU led operations. The study revealed that the conflict has had several effects on the community, fisheries sector, and economy of Uganda. Though some mechanisms have been put in place to resolve the conflict such as; co-management, transfers, and change in command and personnel of FPU, amendment of the fish act and regulations, involving politicians and media in operations, an extension of loan schemes such as ‘‘Emyoga’’ to fishing communities, prosecution of culprits, the appointment of a state minister in charge of fisheries, negotiations between fishers and FPU, and CIMIC operations by FPU, the conflict has persisted. The best solution would be passing the Fisheries Bill into law which will lay the foundation for addressing many of the problems outlined in this report. | en_US |
