Uganda’s fishing industry is facing a major crisis as fishermen and the army trade blame over the continued importation of illegal fishing gear, particularly monofilament nets. These nets are not only harming the marine ecosystem but also threatening the industry’s sustainability.
Fishermen in the Busoga Sub-region accuse some individuals, including the Fisheries Protection Unit (FPU), of facilitating the illicit trade by providing security to traders of the illegal gear. Stores selling these items operate openly in Jinja, Bwondha in Mayuge, Bukungu in Buyende, and even Kampala.
Philemon Kudere, chairperson of the Association of Fishers and Lake Users of Uganda (AFALU) Eastern, emphasizes that undermining fishing regulations and guidelines, coupled with inadequate security enforcement along porous borders, exacerbates the problems.
“The importation of illegal fishing gear is a pervasive issue that undermines regulations aimed at promoting sustainable fishing practices,” Kudere says.
Fishermen are calling for the FPU to not only arrest those using illegal gear but also apprehend their suppliers. They question how these illegal gears are entering the country and whether security personnel are involved in the illicit trade.
Lt Lauben Ndifuna, FPU spokesperson, confirms that traders take advantage of porous borders, stressing the need for more manpower to strengthen enforcement. He points to political interference as a challenge, saying some politicians from fishing communities are hindering efforts to combat illegal fishing.
Ndifuna warns that some fishermen have a misguided mindset, believing fish populations are infinite and can withstand the use of illegal nets. He emphasizes the need for cooperation among government agencies to strengthen enforcement measures.
Last year, State Minister for Fisheries Hellen Adoa announced new regulations to address loopholes in the existing law. The draft regulations cover fishing capacity, enforcement, methods of fishing, and community participation in fisheries management.
The FPU has been working to curb overfishing and depletion of immature fish stocks. Lt Col Mercy Tukahirwa, FPU Commander, recently displayed seized monofilament nets at Masese Landing Site in Jinja City.
