Mayuge, Uganda: The Uganda Climate Smart Agricultural Transformation Project (UCSATP) has handed over fishing gear worth Shs54 million to fishers in Mayuge District in a move aimed at improving safety on Lake Victoria and increasing household incomes.
The equipment, comprising 750 fish nets and 30 life jackets, was officially handed over to the Masolya Twegaite Fishers Association during a ceremony held at Bwondha Landing Site in Jagusi Sub-county on Thursday, June 4, 2026.
Project officials said the intervention is expected to boost fish production while promoting safer fishing practices among communities that depend on Lake Victoria for their livelihoods.
Under the arrangement, beneficiaries contributed 20 percent of the total cost, amounting to Shs10.8 million, while the Government of Uganda and the World Bank jointly financed the remaining Shs43.2 million through the UCSATP programme.
While officiating at the handover ceremony, Bunya South Assistant Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Bazanya Ramathan commended the Government and World Bank for supporting fishing communities through targeted livelihood interventions.
He urged beneficiaries to use the equipment responsibly and productively to improve their household incomes and contribute to local economic growth.
“The government has invested heavily in improving livelihoods. We expect beneficiaries to utilise this support effectively and ensure it translates into better incomes and improved welfare for their families,” Ramathan said.
Mayuge District Secretary for Finance Isaac Owori, who represented District Chairperson David Ziija, challenged the beneficiaries to take full ownership of the fishing gear. “The district urges you to take full ownership and responsibility for the newly acquired equipment,” he said.
District Secretary for Production, Works and Technical Services Barbara Komugisha reaffirmed the district’s commitment to supporting programmes that strengthen the fisheries sector. “We shall continue supporting initiatives that drive the fisheries sector forward,” Komugisha noted.
Representing the Chief Administrative Officer, Senior Assistant CAO for Jagusi Sub-county, Ms Cecilia Namusisi, applauded the beneficiaries for embracing government programmes aimed at improving livelihoods.
District leaders also reminded fishers to safeguard the equipment, comply with fisheries regulations and maximise the benefits from the investment to ensure long-term sustainability.
The handover ceremony was attended by several district officials, including District Production Officer Dr Mathias Kasadha, Deputy DISO Emmanuel Balangha, UCSATP Focal Person Emmanuel Kawuzi Waiswa, Mcash representative Latifah Nalukwago and Senior Fisheries Officer Godfrey Kitimbo.
Officials said the initiative forms part of UCSATP’s wider strategy to transform agriculture and fisheries into climate-smart, productive and income-generating enterprises across Uganda.
The project is expected to enhance resilience among fishing communities while contributing to sustainable fisheries management and improved household earnings.
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