Safe Waters Ahead: EMEDO and Musoma District Council Launch Safe Fishing Plan in Kome and Busekera

Published March 1, 2025

On February 28, 2025, a significant milestone was achieved in Musoma District as EMEDO, through the Lake Victoria Drowning Prevention Project, in close collaboration with the Musoma District Council, officially launched the Safe Fishing Plan for the landing sites of Kome and Busekera.

This plan is the result of an extensive review and update of Beach Management Unit (BMU) by-laws that had been in use in these areas. The revisions were designed to better reflect the current realities and challenges of the fishing sector while ensuring that all groups along the fisheries value chain are recognized and protected.

The Safe Fishing Plan is a community-driven initiative aimed at promoting safety among fishers while fostering sustainable fishing practices and the conservation of fishery resources in Lake Victoria.

The launch ceremony took place at the BMU office grounds in Busekera Village, within Musoma District in the Mara Region, and brought together residents from both Busekera and Kome villages. The event served not only as a formal introduction of the Safe Fishing Plan but also as a platform to showcase the power of inclusive, participatory approaches in driving change within local fishing communities.

Development of the plan was made possible through a consultative process that actively involved fishers, Beach Management Units (BMUs), institutions such as schools and health centres, village and ward-level leaders, and several other key stakeholders. Technical experts from the Musoma District Council also played a pivotal role in facilitating the entire process. The inclusive nature of the process ensured that the resulting plan was grounded in the lived experiences of the community and tailored to address their unique challenges and needs.

One of the most impactful innovations introduced under this initiative was a flexible payment scheme for lifejackets, which allows fishers to acquire them through affordable instalments. This scheme, proposed by the community members themselves, was designed to improve access to lifejackets and encourage their regular use among those who depend on the lake for their livelihoods. Alongside the scheme, EMEDO conducted targeted community education sessions focused on the proper use of lifejackets, reinforcing the critical importance of personal safety when navigating Lake Victoria’s waters.

Another key feature of the launch event was the introduction of Risk Information Boards that highlight dangerous areas within the lake. These maps were developed by EMEDO in partnership with BMUs and aim to help fishers make more informed decisions while at sea. The exercise sparked vital discussions within the community, with BMU leaders calling upon the government to support the installation of buoy markers on submerged rocks and other high-risk areas. Such installations would significantly improve visibility and help prevent boating accidents, thereby reducing drowning incidents.

The atmosphere at the event was lively and engaging, with a variety of cultural and entertainment activities that captured the spirit of community participation. Traditional dances, theatrical performances, talent showcases, and songs all played a role in spreading messages about water safety in a way that was accessible and memorable to all attendees. The use of arts and entertainment served as a powerful tool to educate, inspire, and mobilize the community around the importance of safe fishing practices.

Gracing the event as the guest of honor was Mr. Gerald Musabila, the Regional Administrative Secretary of Mara Region, who was represented by Acting RAS, Mr. Dominicus C. Lusasi. In his speech, he delivered a strong message to the community, emphasizing the need to apply the knowledge and skills gained through the project.

“Now that we have witnessed and received education, and we continue to be educated, it is only right that we take the lead in ensuring that all safety precautions are observed whenever we go into our lake. I urge you all to take this knowledge seriously and apply the skills we have been given here today,” he said.

The event was also attended by other key government officials, including the District Executive Director of Musoma District Council and the Chairperson of Musoma District Council, who expressed their support for the initiative and commended EMEDO’s efforts in improving safety and sustainability in the fisheries sector.

EMEDO extends its sincere appreciation to the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), Irish Aid, and the Government of the Isle of Man for their invaluable support and partnership. Their contributions continue to play a critical role in safeguarding lives and promoting resilience among fishing communities across Lake Victoria.