Kamuli, Uganda: Kamuli District Local Government has begun implementing a new set of fishing guidelines and commissioned fisheries management committees across major landing sites as part of efforts to strengthen sustainable fishing and curb illegal activities on the country’s water bodies.
The exercise, launched on Tuesday, follows the recent visit by Deputy Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Lt. Gen. Sam Okiding, who warned that the UPDF Fisheries Protection Unit (FPU) would intensify enforcement operations to protect Uganda’s dwindling fish stocks.
District officials led by Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Rose Birungi, alongside the District Internal Security Officer (DISO) and technical officers from the fisheries department headed by District Production Officer James Kunya, officially rolled out the new regulations at several landing sites.
The team also commissioned newly elected fisheries management committees at Kiige, Kibuye and Kyamatende landing sites in Kagumba Sub-county.
Addressing fishermen during the launch, RDC Rose Birungi urged fishing communities to embrace responsible fishing practices and work closely with the newly elected committees to safeguard aquatic resources.
“I urge you fishermen to practice good fishing methods. These committees we have launched today will help to enforce the guidelines and ensure that we protect our lakes for future generations. Let us work together to stop illegal fishing,” Birungi said.
She said the committees would play a critical role in mobilising fishing communities, monitoring compliance and supporting government efforts to eliminate illegal fishing practices.
District Fisheries Officer Moses Kanakutanda said the new measures are intended to restore fish breeding grounds and ensure the long-term sustainability of fisheries resources.
“These guidelines are meant to save our fish stocks. I ask all fishermen to follow the rules and cooperate with the new committees at your landing sites,” Kanakutanda said.
District Production Officer James Kunya led technical sensitisation sessions, explaining the new regulations and encouraging fishermen to embrace sustainable fishing methods that protect livelihoods while conserving the environment.
New fishing guidelines
According to district authorities, the guidelines are aligned with the national fisheries enforcement programme and introduce several key measures aimed at improving management of landing sites.
The new regulations include:
- Controlled numbers of boats and fishermen operating at each landing site to reduce pressure on fish stocks.
- Mandatory licensing of all fishermen and fish traders.
- Registration and numbering of every fishing boat.
- A ban on undersized fishing nets and other illegal fishing gear.
- Prohibition of using lights during night fishing for mukene (silverfish).
- A ban on fishing within designated breeding zones.
- Prohibition of permanent structures within 200 metres of the shoreline.
- Offenders risk arrest, prosecution and penalties of up to eight months’ imprisonment.
Officials said the measures are intended to restore depleted fish stocks while promoting orderly management of Uganda’s fisheries sector.
Committees to monitor compliance
The newly inaugurated fisheries management committees will oversee implementation of the guidelines at their respective landing sites. Their responsibilities include sensitising fishing communities, identifying illegal fishing activities and reporting offenders to relevant authorities.
District leaders expressed optimism that involving local communities directly in fisheries management will improve compliance and reduce conflicts at landing sites.
The latest rollout follows a recent tour of Kamuli and Buyende districts by Deputy CDF Lt. Gen. Sam Okiding, who heads the UPDF Fisheries Protection Unit.
During the visit, he warned that security agencies would intensify enforcement operations against illegal fishing practices, saying sustainable management of Uganda’s lakes is essential for protecting livelihoods, food security and export earnings.
Uganda has over the past decade implemented stricter fisheries management policies to reverse declining fish stocks caused by illegal fishing methods, overfishing and environmental degradation. The Fisheries Protection Unit has since worked alongside local governments to enforce regulations while promoting community participation in resource conservation.
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