Implementing H.E the President’s Directive to Stop illegal Fishing on the Lakes of Uganda

Government has noted with serious concern the depletion of the fisheries resources in the country due to illegal and unsustainable fishing practices.

In accordance with the External Trade Act, the EAC Customs Union Protocol Article 22, and the General Agreement on Tariff and Trade (GATT) Article XX, and in order to address the challenges of depletion of the fisheries resources; the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives hereby notifies the public of the following measures undertaken to streamline sustainable trade in fish and fish products:

1. Ordered the immediate ban of the importation of all fishing nets, and related inputs into the country for a period of 12 months
2. Instituted strict administrative measures for monitoring production by the domestic manufacturers and their distribution chains to ensure an adequate and sustained supply of fish nets in the country that meet the required national standards.
3. In partnership with UPDF Marines Enforcement Taskforce put in place by H.E the President, the Ministry has strengthened and intensified market surveillance to eradicate smuggling of fishing nets into the country and to impound any illegal fishing gear in the market.
4. In partnership with the UPDF Marines Enforcement Taskforce established by H.E. The President, strengthen monitoring and surveillance on all lakes to eliminate all illegal fishing gear including the locally made kokota
5. Ordered the increase of production capacities of domestic manufacturers of fishnets and related inputs to meet the domestic demand
6. Started massive sensitization of the general public about these measures.

The measures take immediate effect.

Amelia Kyambadde (MP)

MINISTER

Read Full Statement: BAN OF IMPORTATION OF ALL FISHING NETS AND RELATED INPUTS