President Museveni has announced a fresh crackdown on illegal fishing in Uganda, revealing plans to criminalise the importation of illegal fishing gear and expand lake surveillance systems to safeguard the country’s aquatic resources.
In a meeting with fishing community leaders at Jinja State Lodge, the President laid out new measures aimed at restoring fish stocks and protecting livelihoods dependent on Uganda’s vast network of lakes and rivers.
“We reached an agreement to preserve fish breeding grounds, ensuring that these areas remain untouched by anyone,” Museveni said. “The fish market is considerably large on a global scale, and we must protect it.”
The President said legislation is underway to ban and penalise those who import illegal fishing nets—tools widely blamed for depleting fish populations and undermining enforcement efforts.
“We will implement similar surveillance for Lake Victoria and other water bodies. This will help us monitor and combat illegal fishing practices, as well as enhance overall security,” Museveni said.
He pointed to the existing radar-based surveillance system on Lake Albert, noting its effectiveness in tracking suspicious activities, and confirmed that similar technology will be deployed on Lake Victoria and other inland lakes.
“We already have eyes (surface radar) in place on Lake Albert,” he said.
The fishing industry remains a critical pillar in Uganda’s economy supporting food security, jobs, and foreign exchange earnings.
However, illegal fishing methods and environmental degradation have prompted repeated government interventions, including military-led operations to restore order on the lakes.
This latest announcement signals a renewed push by the government to not only protect fish stocks but also promote sustainable fishing practices through community engagement, technological surveillance, and strict regulation.
