JINJA: The Ugandan government is embarking on a comprehensive overhaul of its fisheries sector, proposing a new legal framework to regulate fishing zones and practices. Joseph Bwanika, commissioner for Aquaculture and Fisheries Regulations, announced the initiative during a consultative meeting with stakeholders in the Busoga sub-region, held in Jinja City. The proposed regulations will be implemented under the Fisheries and Aquaculture Act, 2023.
“The regulations are coming under Section 120 of the Act, which directs the line minister to put in place statutory instruments that will enable better implementation of it,” Bwanika explained. The draft regulations encompass a broad spectrum of issues, including fishing capacity (limiting the number of licensed fishermen per lake), permitted fishing methods, fish quality assurance, aquaculture development, enforcement strategies, and the involvement of local communities in fisheries management.
A central element of the new approach, according to State Minister for Fisheries Hellen Adoa, will be the formation of fishermen’s groups. This organizational structure, she believes, will streamline management and oversight. “Fishermen can be easy to manage when they are in groups because currently, the illegal fishermen are twenty times more than the licensed ones,” Adoa stated. She emphasized the challenge posed by unlicensed fishermen who operate freely across landing sites and districts, exploiting what she described as a “God-given natural resource.” Adoa stressed the need for a dedicated fund to support both fishermen and fisheries officers in effectively managing the lakes.
Minister Adoa also highlighted significant capacity deficits within the existing fisheries management system. She pointed out that the Fisheries Protection Unit is understaffed, and district fisheries officers are underfunded, hindering their ability to effectively monitor illegal activities and enforce regulations. Adoa expressed her disappointment with the current state of the sector, despite its economic significance. “I came from the private sector with all the energy to be utilised in this ministry, but I was disappointed because the sector is disorganised,” she said. She emphasized the sector’s potential, asserting, “If the emphasis is put on fisheries and we are organised, we would be number one in this country in bringing foreign exchange earnings.”
Adoa explained that the new regulations are designed to address loopholes in existing legislation. “Recently, we got a new law in 2023 but can’t work without regulations; these regulations will only accompany the law,” she said. She acknowledged the disunity and overlapping responsibilities that have plagued the sector, noting that sometimes “a fisherman can be more powerful than the minister.” She expressed hope that the regulations will address allegations of human rights abuses by security personnel.
While the government is advocating for these changes, fishermen have offered mixed reactions. Musa Muliika, president of the Association of Fishers and Caretakers of Uganda, welcomed the regulations, expressing his belief that they will help curb illegal fishing practices. However, he also voiced concerns about potential corruption among enforcers, who might be tempted to accept bribes rather than enforce the law. Philemon Kudere, chairperson of the Association of Fishers and Lake Users of Uganda (AFALU) in the eastern region, suggested that the government should also target importers of illegal fishing gear, not just those using it.
The introduction of these regulations coincides with signs of recovery in Uganda’s fish stocks. Data from the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries indicates that fish production has increased from approximately 580,000 metric tonnes in 2015 to 680,000 metric tonnes currently. The government’s efforts to combat illegal fishing, including the deployment of the army on the lakes in 2017, have likely contributed to this improvement. The new regulations represent a more comprehensive and potentially more effective approach to managing the fisheries sector and ensuring its long-term sustainability.