In the atmosphere of Nakatunya Market Soroti City west, a group of determined businesswomen are voicing their concerns about the challenges they face in selling fish. According to them, the low rate at which their business is running is alarming and they attribute this decline to the difficulties they encounter in transporting fish from Lake Kyoga to the market.
The fishmongers claim that the transportation process is grueling and often violent. Fish transporters are frequently beaten making it perilous for them to bring fish from the lake to the city. This in turn, limits the women’s access to fresh fish affecting their businesses. Some transporters have even lost their lives during this process highlighting the gravity of the situation, they stated.
One of the businesswomen, who wished to remain anonymous shared her struggles. “It’s becoming increasingly difficult to make a living from selling fish,” she said. “The transportation costs are high and the risks involved are enormous. We are forced to sell at very low prices barely making enough to cover our costs.”
The women explained that the profit margins are slim with some sellers earning as little as 200 shillings per heap of fish. This is a significant drop from the 500 shillings they used to earn in the past. The women are struggling to make ends meet and the situation is becoming increasingly dire.
Another factor contributing to the decline in fish sales is the increased availability of smoked meat during the Eid celebrations. Many Muslims have stocked up on smoked meat reducing their demand for fish. This seasonal fluctuation has further exacerbated the challenges faced by the fish sellers.
“We understand that the demand for fish may fluctuate during certain periods but the transportation challenges are a year around issue,” said another businesswoman. “We need the government to step in and help us find a solution to this problem.”
The businesswomen are now calling on the government to intervene and facilitate the transportation of fish from the lake to the market. They believe that easing the transportation process would enable them to access fresh fish and stabilize their businesses. By doing so, they hope to increase their profit margins and improve their livelihoods.
Specifically, the women are requesting that the government provide security for fish transporters and improve the infrastructure leading to the lake. They also suggest that the government could work with local leaders to establish a more efficient and safer transportation system.
The plight of these businesswomen highlights the need for support and infrastructure development in the fishing industry. By addressing the challenges they face, the government can help ensure the sustainability of their businesses and the well being of their families.
.
About Author
