Hon. Hellen Adoa, the Minister of State for Fisheries, has issued a stark warning to the fishing community regarding the escalating issue of illegal fishing across all water bodies.
Adoa noted that this illicit activity has led to a decline in both domestic and export markets for fish products.
The Minister further emphasized the critical importance of fisheries to the country’s economy while she highlighted the detrimental impact of gear such as monofilament nets, undersized gillnets, and illegal methods like hurry up and cast netting. If left unchecked, these practices will undoubtedly lead to a significant reduction in the country’s industrial output.
“My Ministry is committed to ensuring the sustainable exploitation of our fisheries resources. We aim to safeguard and improve the livelihoods of the more than 60% of the fishing community that relies on this industry,” she stated.
Currently, the harvesting of three types of small pelagic fish – Mukene, Ragoogi, and Muziiri – from various lakes across the country accounts for over 70% of Uganda’s annual fish catch. This sector also provides employment for over 60% of the fishing communities engaged in various activities along the fisheries value chain.
Minister Adoa, addressing journalists at the media center on Tuesday, announced an immediate ban on daytime and moonlight-phase fishing of small pelagic fish. Fishing will now be permitted only during the dark phase of the month.
“This measure aims to promote sustainable exploitation and ensure fishers receive better economic returns by avoiding market flooding,” she explained.
The Minister reiterated that fishing of small pelagic by non-citizens is illegal in Uganda and she urged all relevant fisheries departments to enforce these measures rigorously and take appropriate action against offenders.
Daisy Oriel Asilo, Assistant Commissioner of Fisheries Enforcement, underscored the importance of protecting small pelagic fishers, despite their lower economic value compared to other species. “These fish provide livelihoods and employment opportunities for Ugandan nationals.” She asserted.
The Ministry also acknowledged a rise in immature fish entering the country through the Elegu border and it pledged to collaborate with the government of South Sudan to address this issue and prevent depletion of fish stocks in the region.
Illegal fishing remains a contentious issue in the fishing sector, prompting the deployment of the UPDF brigade on lakes by the president to combat this illicit activity.