By Eumu Emmanuel
Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa has given the Minister of State for Fisheries, Hellen Adoa, a one-month ultimatum to present the regulations required to operationalize the Fisheries and Aquaculture Act. This move aims to resolve the confusion and anxiety affecting Uganda’s fishing communities. Tayebwa’s directive followed an apology from Minister Adoa, who admitted to delays in submitting the regulations, which should have been presented 18 months ago, after the Act was signed into law in February 2023.
However, Members of Parliament (MPs) rejected her apology, deeming it insufficient and failing to address the critical challenges faced by the fishing sector. Tayebwa emphasized that the regulations are long overdue, stating, “We need regulations, not excuses. This is a legal requirement, not a matter for negotiation or delay. Within one month, we expect them.”
The discussion also touched on the ban on silverfish, a decision that has raised concerns in fishing communities. MPs questioned the reasons behind the ban and sought clarification from the minister. Kira Municipality MP, Ssemujju Nganda, criticized Minister Adoa for wasting Parliament’s time by offering a statement instead of the required regulations. He remarked, “You were supposed to bring regulations, yet here we are listening to explanations on why they haven’t been brought.”
In her defense, Minister Adoa apologized for the delays, attributing them to the need for broader consultations with stakeholders, including MPs, before finalizing the regulations. She assured Parliament that the draft regulations had been circulated for feedback to ensure they are inclusive, evidence-based, and applicable.
Shadow Minister for Fisheries, Susan Mugabi, Woman MP for Buvuma District, expressed disappointment with the minister’s statement, particularly regarding the regulation of silverfish fishing methods. She questioned the legality of such directives in the absence of formal regulations. “The Fisheries and Aquaculture Bill was assented to in February 2023, yet 18 months later we still have no regulations. The confusion caused by the minister and the Fisheries Protection Unit (FPU) Commander is unacceptable,” Mugabi said.
Mugabi also raised concerns about the continued presence of the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) on Uganda’s lakes, noting that the Fisheries and Aquaculture Act mandates police enforcement, not military intervention. She questioned the minister’s failure to implement this aspect of the law.
MP Mose Kabuusu echoed these concerns, criticizing the minister’s apparent lack of control over her sector. He questioned whether Adoa was still in charge, citing instances where the Fisheries Protection Unit commander had blamed MPs for the delay in enacting regulations.