The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) has boosted its fisheries monitoring and enforcement operations with the introduction of new equipment to help protect Uganda’s lakes and other water bodies from illegal fishing activities.The equipment, which includes new engines and other Quality Assurance and Enforcement tools, has been handed over to fisheries teams responsible for supervising activities on the country’s water bodies.
The support is expected to make it easier for officers to reach different fishing areas and carry out their duties effectively.The development comes as Government continues efforts to improve the management of Uganda’s fisheries resources and address fishing practices that threaten fish stocks. Fisheries officers will use the new equipment to strengthen inspections, monitor fishing activities and enforce regulations.Speaking during the handover, State Minister for Fisheries Hon. Robert Migadde said Government is committed to protecting the fisheries sector while ensuring that fishing communities are involved in efforts to manage the country’s water resources.
Migadde said fisheries enforcement should not create unnecessary conflict between Government officials and fishing communities. Instead, he called for greater cooperation and dialogue between enforcement teams and the people who depend on the lakes and other water bodies for their livelihoods.The Minister, however, stressed that Government would continue acting against illegal and destructive fishing practices. He said such activities can threaten fish stocks and undermine the long-term sustainability of Uganda’s fisheries sector.Migadde also said Government is ready to support and finance fisheries activities in line with the commitment made by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to strengthen the sector.
He said improved resources for fisheries teams would contribute to better supervision and enforcement.MAAIF said the new equipment will enhance its capacity to monitor fisheries activities, respond to violations and promote compliance with established regulations. The Ministry reiterated its commitment to working with fishing communities while protecting Uganda’s fisheries resources for present and future generations.
