Abstract:

The Upper Victoria Nile (UVN), a crucial segment of the River Nile stretching 117 km between Lake Victoria and Lake Kyoga, sustains a diverse multi-species fishery of significant commercial, cultural, and ecological value. The UVN also supports national energy demands through major hydropower infrastructure including the Bujagali Dam. However, such developments, coupled with climate variability and anthropogenic pressures, have resulted in marked ecological shifts, particularly in fish habitats, catch composition, and fishing livelihoods.
This 36th monitoring conducted by the National Fisheries Resources Research Institute (NaFIRRI) in April 2025 assessed the impacts of these developments on fisheries dynamics post-dam construction. Data was collected from three monitoring sections: Upstream (Kalange-Makwanzi), Mid-Reservoir, and Downstream (Buyala-Kikubamutwe), focusing on fishing effort, catch composition and rates, economic value, domestic fish use, and gendered fisheries employment.
Key findings included; The Fishing Gear Use: Eight gear types were recorded, with Mid-Reservoir showing dominance in gear diversity and quantity, particularly gillnets and basket traps. Although legally restricted, destructive gears like monofilament nets and basket traps were widely used, especially at Mid-Reservoir. Then the Catch Trends: Ten (10) fish species were recorded, with Lates niloticus commanding the highest market value, and Rastrineobola argentea contributing the highest catch volume but lowest revenue. Conservation concern species such as Oreochromis variabilis and Coptodon zillii appeared infrequently, indicating declining populations. And then the Catch and Revenue: The total monthly catch was 77.7 tons, yielding UGX 169.6 million. The Mid-Reservoir accounted for 94% of the total catch and 83% of the revenue, reflecting its central role in UVN fisheries. In addition to that there was also the Livelihood Shifts: Some fishers have diversified into non-fishing livelihoods like scrap metal collection, signaling economic adaptation to fishery pressure and reduced returns. And, the Gender Roles: Men dominated fishing and gear maintenance, while women were active in fish trading and processing. However, the number of women in post-harvest roles is declining, especially at Mid-Reservoir where alternative livelihoods are emerging.
Generally, the monitoring revealed persistent gear misuse, fluctuating fish catch dynamics, and growing livelihood vulnerabilities, necessitating urgent interventions to safeguard the fishery’s sustainability.
Based on the findings from the study had the following observations.
?    Fish catches and revenues along the UVN continue to fluctuate due to ecological alterations, illegal gear use, and shifting livelihood dynamics.
?    Rastrineobola argentea dominated catch volumes but offered limited economic returns, while conservation-important species are declining in both abundance and catch rates.
?    Despite regulatory efforts, destructive fishing gears (e.g., monofilaments, basket traps) remain in widespread use, threatening fish stock sustainability.
?    There was an observable shift in livelihood activities, particularly in the Mid-Reservoir, with some fishers abandoning fishing for more stable income-generating alternatives such as, metal scrap collection.
?    Gendered roles in the fishery are deeply entrenched but evolving, with women increasingly marginalized in fish processing and trade due to socio-economic and environmental changes.
In the catch assessment and catch effort studies done in the UVN came up with the following recommendations as indicated below;
?    Enforce Gear Regulations: Strengthen monitoring, control, and surveillance to eliminate illegal fishing gear, particularly monofilaments and basket traps.
?    Enhance Community Awareness: Implement continuous education and sensitization programs on sustainable fishing practices and conservation of endangered species.
?    Support Alternative Livelihoods: Develop and support non-fishery income-generating activities to reduce pressure on aquatic resources and promote economic resilience.
?    Improve Post-Harvest Handling: Invest in solar dryers, smoking kilns, and cold storage facilities to enhance fish product quality and market value.
?    Empower Beach Management Units (BMUs): Strengthen BMUs and local governance structures to enable participatory and accountable fisheries co-management.
?    Promote Gender Inclusion: Ensure equitable participation of women and marginalized groups in all aspects of the fishery value chain through training and policy support.
?    Invest in Clean Energy Technologies: Promote the adoption of eco-friendly technologies in fish processing to improve efficiency and reduce environmental harm.
?    Conduct Regular Ecological Monitoring: Maintain consistent, science-based monitoring to detect ecological stress early and recommend evidence-based management interventions.