The state minister of Fisheries, Hon. Hellen Adoa has urged the fisheries stakeholders to desist from illegal fishing across the country’s waterbodies.

She mentioned that improper fishing methods like hurry up, and cast netting among others, pose a great risk to Uganda’s economy as well as the livelihoods of the fishing community.

She therefore called on the general public to unite in the cause of promoting proper fishing in the country.

The state minister of Fisheries, Hon. Hellen Adoa has condemned the practice of illegal fishing where improper methods like hurry up, and cast netting among others, are used to catch fish during the activity.

She explained that this act will lead to the setback of the country’s growing economy like the unavailability of the products tiny fish, for both internal and external markets.

The Assistant Commissioner of Fisheries Enforcement, Daisy Olyel highlighted that the earnings from the small fish are not as much as expected, however explaining the benefits that come with protecting them.

Hon. Hellen states that 70% of the annual fishery is comprised of small fish, such as mukene (silverfish) and other immature fish. Additionally, these small fish contribute to the employment of 60% of the fishing communities.

She mentioned that the detestation of the vice is not only for the betterment of the country’s economy but also to sustain the livelihoods of the fishing community.

She advocated for the young community to engage in the proper fishing practices, pledging government support.
Responding to a stand-off by West Nile – S. Sudan fish traders last week in Packwach after the fisheries unit impounded their fish for not meeting the required standards, Hon. Hellen said a delegation from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fishing, and Animal husbandry is set to meet with South Sudan officials to access the type of fish and the number of tones to be imported into Uganda.

However, she issued a caution to foreign individuals who encroach on the fishing boundaries of the nation and to Ugandan fishermen who do not comply with regulations. She emphasized that both groups will be subject to the penalties outlined in the country's laws.

The state minister called out the District Fisheries Officers to action because it is only through them that the community can be saved and made aware of harmful fishing.

The state minister for fisheries emphasized that the enforcement team is not a blocker but rather a security measure put around waterbodies due to existing dangers hence, sensitization is the way to go.