The Uganda Commercial Fish Farmers Association (UCFFA) has urgently called upon the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries (MAAIF) to address a significant floating wetland mass within Lake Victoria. In a letter dated Monday, Mr. Dick Lufafa, representing the UCFFA president, raised concerns about the presence of the floating wetland observed between Luzira in Kampala and Koome, Mukono District.

The letter stressed the need for prompt action to remove the mass to prevent potential threats to floating fish cages, navigation, and power generation activities on Lake Victoria. Additionally, the UCFFA’s letter informed other relevant ministries, including the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, and the Ministry of Water and Sanitation.

This appeal comes in response to a similar incident in 2021 when a floating island, estimated to cover at least two acres, obstructed a turbine of the Nalubaale Hydro Power Station in Jinja District, resulting in widespread power disruptions. This incident underscored the significant impact such occurrences can have on critical infrastructure and services.

The floating island incident in 2021 was attributed to rising water levels, reaching 13.12m, just below the highest recorded level of 13.46m in 1964. These recurring events underscore the need for urgent measures to mitigate potential consequences on both the environment and socio-economic activities dependent on Lake Victoria.