Gov’t consults stakeholders on new Fisheries Act
He urged authorities to lower the penalties to ensure they are fair and proportionate to the offenses committed.
Hoima: The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries (MAAIF) has embarked on regional consultations to gather public input on the newly signed Fisheries Act.
According to Daisy Olyel Aciro, Commissioner for Fisheries Resources Management and Development at MAAIF, President Yoweri Museveni signed the Fisheries Act into law in March.
The new legislation aims to promote sustainable fishing practices, protect the environment, and improve the livelihoods of fishing communities.
To ensure the act is inclusive and effective, MAAIF organized a two-day consultative meeting in the Albertine region, bringing together political leaders, technocrats, and representatives from the fisheries and agriculture sectors.
The meeting, held at HB Hotel, provided a platform for stakeholders to share their views, concerns, and suggestions.
Aciro highlighted that the act includes provisions for environmental protection, particularly around lake shores, to promote proper waste disposal and preserve the ecological balance of these areas.
Joseph Bwanika, Acting Commissioner for Fisheries Regulation at MAAIF, emphasized the need for a revised fisheries law, citing significant changes since the current legislation was enacted in 1964.
“Back then, Uganda wasn’t exporting Nile perch like it is now,” Bwanika noted, stressing the importance of updated regulations governing fishing and aquaculture practices. He also called for fair enforcement of the law, particularly at lake shores where fishermen often face harassment.
During the consultative meeting, Vincent Opio Alpher, the Vice Chairman of Kikuube District, proposed key changes to the enforcement of the Fisheries Act.
“As stakeholders in the Lake Albert region, we need to introduce fishing holidays, similar to those implemented in the Democratic Republic of Congo, to allow fish populations to replenish and promote sustainability,” Opio suggested.
To address conflicts among fishermen, he also proposed zoning regulations to ensure better organization and reduce disputes at the lake shores.
Additionally, Opio called for a revision of the penalties imposed on fishermen who violate the law. Currently, offenders face hefty fines ranging from 20 to 40 million shillings amounts he described as excessive.
He urged authorities to lower the penalties to ensure they are fair and proportionate to the offenses committed.
The ongoing consultations will help shape the implementation of the Fisheries Act, ensuring it addresses the needs of all stakeholders while promoting sustainable fishing practices.
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