Photo by Michael Nsubuga

On the shores of Lake Victoria, local fishermen and fish mongers ply their trade in an industry that supports over 30 million people in three East African Countries: Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania.

As well as being a major source of industrial water, hydropower and navigation, many local communities depend on Lake Victoria for their livelihood.

Wooden fishing boats line the shore of Port Bell Luzira, a fish monger guts and cleans a Nile Perch at one of the markets near the Kasenyi landing site and a group of men pick the knots out of their fishing nets on the lake’s edge. These are some of the images of life on the shore of the largest lake in Africa.

The rapidly growing urban and peri-urban centers located here depend on the lake’s natural resources for their economic growth. These centers are also a hub for aspiring football players and fans of different ages. When not at sea, the local fishermen and fish mongers get together to play soccer matches on the beach. Whether they are honing their dribbling skills at Gaba landing site or organizing a competitive game on Lido beach, these men have been infected with FIFA World Cup fever and are keen to show off their skills.

[Show as slideshow]

[View with PicLens]

Publication rights to this feature are available from Africa Media Online.