The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) has strengthened fisheries supervision and enforcement operations with the launch and handover of new equipment, including engines, to fisheries teams responsible for monitoring Uganda’s water bodies.
The equipment will enhance the capacity of fisheries officers to conduct supervision, enforce fisheries regulations and combat illegal fishing practices across the country’s lakes and other water bodies.
Speaking at the launch, the State Minister for Fisheries, Hon. Robert Migadde, said Government remains committed to protecting Uganda’s fisheries resources while working closely with fishing communities and other users of the water bodies.
“We are doing everything possible to ensure that we work closely with the people who use our lakes. The relationship between the Ministry teams and the fishing communities should not be based on fights, but on engagement and cooperation,” Minister Migadde said.
He said the Ministry will continue taking action against illegal and destructive fishing methods that threaten fish stocks and the sustainability of the sector.
The Minister emphasised that enforcement must go hand in hand with engagement, noting that Government is committed to creating a working relationship with fishing communities as it strengthens regulation of the sector.
He further said Government is ready to support and finance fisheries activities in line with the commitment made by H.E. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to strengthen the fisheries sector.
The new Quality Assurance and Enforcement tools are expected to improve the Ministry’s ability to monitor fisheries activities, respond to violations and promote compliance with established standards.
MAAIF reiterated its commitment to protecting Uganda’s fisheries resources, supporting lawful fishing and ensuring that the sector remains productive and sustainable for current and future generations.
