By Emong Vicent
The Ministry of Fisheries has tabled a draft of fisheries regulations to preserve aquaculture in lakes, following the President’s passage of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Act in 2023. The ministry is currently conducting consultation meetings with stakeholders from districts surrounding lakes across the country.
Daisy Olyel Aciro, Commissioner for Fisheries Resources Management and Development in the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries (MAAIF), stated that the team has finished consultation meetings for Lake Victoria and Lake Albert and is currently holding a regional consultation meeting with district stakeholders surrounding Lake Kyoga.
According to Aciro, the current law has gaps in addressing emerging issues in fisheries management and development. The draft targets regulating fish harvesting and trade to prevent the reduction of Nile perch fish. Aciro noted that the penalties in the new law are more stringent, with fines ranging from 20 to 30 million shillings, depending on the offense committed. Additionally, jail terms have been adjusted, with sentences now ranging from up to eight years.
The law aims to maximize gains from the fisheries and aquaculture sector. Stephen Ochola, the District Chairperson LC5 of Serere, welcomed the proposal to secure the lake and breeding areas for fish. However, he called upon the line ministry to empower fishermen with funds to acquire standard boats and fishing nets.
Retired Samuel Kigula, the Chairperson of the Lake Kyoga Management Organization, welcomed the regulations, stating they will aid their intervention in protecting the lake and fish. Hellen Adoa, the District Woman Member of Parliament of Serere and State Minister of Fisheries, appealed to stakeholders to work together to protect fish and lakes, warning fishermen against illegal fishing practices.