Lake Bunyonyi boat operators say extortion, harassment affecting livelihoods

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Motorboat operators on Lake Bunyonyi have raised alarm over what they describe as persistent extortion and harassment by Marine Police officers, saying the alleged practice is threatening their livelihoods, disrupting transport on the lake, and undermining tourism activities in the area.

The operators, who ferry passengers, traders, tourists and goods between the lake’s 29 islands, say they are routinely forced to pay unofficial charges ranging from shillings 2,000 to as high as 25,000 to continue operating. They allege that the payments are demanded at various points on the lake without official receipts being issued.

Lake Bunyonyi, which stretches across Kabale and Rubanda districts, is one of Uganda’s most popular tourism destinations and is widely known for its scenic islands, birdlife, and water activities such as canoeing, swimming and sightseeing. For many residents living around the lake, motorboat transport is the main source of income and a vital means of connecting island communities to the mainland.

However, the boat operators say increasing operational costs and alleged exploitation by Marine Police officers are making it difficult for them to survive in the business.

Phillip Byarugaba told New Vision Online that even operators carrying only a few passengers are often stopped and asked to pay money before being allowed to proceed.

Another operator, Simpson Munyambabazi, a resident of Mugyera parish in Habuhutu town council, Rubanda district, said he has worked on the lake for more than 20 years but has never witnessed the level of pressure currently facing boat riders.

According to Munyambabazi, the alleged payments initially started at about Shs2,000 but gradually increased over time, with operators now reportedly negotiating with officers depending on the number of passengers or goods on board.

He further alleged that operators who fail to comply with the demands risk intimidation, delays, or being blocked from operating. Munyambabazi narrated an incident in which he was allegedly forced to abandon his boat after failing to raise the money demanded by officers.

The operators also expressed concern over what they termed as lack of support from Marine Police during emergencies on the lake. They alleged that in cases of drowning incidents, some officers demand money for fuel before participating in rescue operations.

George Tukwasiibwe, the publicity secretary for the Owners of Motorboats and Riders Association, said many operators no longer earn meaningful profits because much of the money collected from passengers allegedly ends up in the hands of officers.

Tukwasiibwe said the rising cost of fuel and boat maintenance has already strained the sector, warning that continued extortion could push many families deeper into poverty.

He questioned the role of Marine Police on the lake, saying residents had expected officers to provide security and support water transport activities rather than burden operators with illegal charges.

The Chairperson of the Owners of Motorboats and Drivers Association on Lake Bunyonyi, Noah Mubangizi, said the alleged extortion becomes more severe during busy market days, especially Mondays and Fridays, when transport activity on the lake increases.

Mubangizi, who is also the LC3 chairperson-elect for Rubaya sub-county in Ndorwa West County, said the officers allegedly determine the amount to demand based on the load being transported, with some operators paying between shillings 5,000 and 25,000 per trip.

He said the continued practice is negatively affecting business operations and reducing profits for operators who already struggle with increasing fuel prices and maintenance costs.

Mubangizi further revealed that local leaders and boat operators have on several occasions attempted to raise the matter with authorities in the Uganda Police Force, but little progress has been made.

He appealed to the Government authorities to urgently intervene, investigate the allegations and restore trust between security agencies and communities operating on the lake.

The operators also called for the transfer of officers accused of involvement in the alleged extortion, arguing that the situation has created fear and frustration among riders and residents who depend on the lake for transport and trade.

Efforts to obtain a comment from the Kabale District Police Commander were unsuccessful by press time.

However, the Assistant Resident District Commissioner for Kabale, Nelson Black Atwongyeire, said his office had not previously received formal complaints regarding the allegations.

Atwongyeire nevertheless acknowledged the seriousness of the concerns raised by the operators and said the RDC’s office would engage police leadership and other stakeholders to establish the facts and promote harmony between Marine Police officers and the lake community.

He emphasised the importance of protecting both livelihoods and security on Lake Bunyonyi, noting that the lake remains an important tourism attraction and economic resource for the region.

As concerns continue to grow among boat operators, residents are now hoping that authorities will take swift action to address the allegations and restore confidence among communities whose survival depends heavily on the waters of Lake Bunyonyi.