The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), which is spearheading the enforcement of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Act, 2023, has set ambitious targets aimed at revitalising the country’s fisheries sector. Lieutenant General Sam Okiding, the Deputy Chief of Defence Forces and overseer of the 155 UPDF Marines Battalion responsible for enforcing sustainable fishing practices, has expressed optimism that Uganda will soon register Nile perch weighing more than 100 kilograms from its waters.
Speaking during an engagement with fishermen and other stakeholders in Kyotera District on renewed operations against illegal fishing practices, Gen. Okiding said the enforcement teams are determined to eliminate activities that threaten the growth and sustainability of the fisheries subsector. “I want to witness people putting on the market Nile perch of more than 100kg in the coming months, which will significantly increase our revenue from the sector,” he said.
The Fisheries and Aquaculture Act, 2023, was enacted to streamline the sector and combat illegal and harmful fishing practices. The law introduces mandatory registration and strict licensing requirements for all fishermen operating from gazetted landing sites.
It also establishes the office of the Chief Fisheries Officer, mandated to register fishing vessels, issue and renew fishing permits, regulate fishing methods, and determine the number of vessels permitted to operate at individual landing sites.
Gen. Okiding believes the new law, which empowers fisheries authorities to limit the number of fishermen operating at landing sites, will help reduce pressure on water bodies and allow fish stocks to recover. According to him, proper regulation of fishing activities, coupled with strict adherence to recommended practices, will enhance fish breeding and increase yields over time.
As part of the ongoing enforcement operations, Gen. Okiding revealed that authorities also intend to demarcate and closely protect fish breeding areas. He warned fishermen against disregarding directives issued by law enforcement officers and fisheries authorities.
Meanwhile, the Vice Chairperson of the Kasensero Lake Users and Boat Owners Association, Paul Vincent Sserumaga, challenged the UPDF to strengthen security at landing sites and address the growing threat posed by cross-border pirates from Tanzania and Kenya.
Sserumaga said local fishermen continue to suffer losses due to theft and illegal fishing activities by their counterparts from neighbouring East African Community member states that share the waters of Lake Victoria.
He further alleged that some foreign fishermen deploy illegal fishing gear in Ugandan waters, underscoring the need for bilateral engagements among partner states to harmonise fishing regulations and enforcement measures. Sserumaga also appealed to the UPDF enforcement teams to foster cordial working relations with local fisheries management committees.
He cautioned against a repeat of the tensions and allegations of harassment that characterised the operations of the former Fisheries Protection Unit (FPU), arguing that collaboration with local stakeholders is essential for the long-term success of fisheries management efforts-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
