President Museveni Meets Fishing Communities to Enhance Safety and Sustainability of Uganda’s Waters
Jinja, Uganda | August 6, 2025 — President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has held an extensive dialogue with fishing communities at the Jinja State Lodge, focusing on strategies to make Uganda’s water bodies safer and more sustainable for fishing and related economic activities.
During the meeting, President Museveni emphasized the critical importance of preserving fish breeding grounds, stressing that these zones must remain untouched by any fishing activities. He noted that protecting these natural nurseries is essential for maintaining healthy fish populations and securing Uganda’s position in the lucrative global fish market.
“The fish market is considerably large on a global scale, and we must protect it. We agreed that fish breeding grounds must be preserved and safeguarded from exploitation,” the President stated.
In response to concerns about harmful fishing practices, President Museveni revealed plans to introduce legislation that would criminalise the importation and use of illegal or substandard fishing nets. These nets have contributed to the depletion of fish stocks and the destruction of aquatic ecosystems across the country.
On the matter of surveillance and enforcement, the President highlighted ongoing efforts to enhance monitoring of illegal fishing activities. He disclosed that surface radar systems have already been installed on Lake Albert and announced plans to deploy similar technologies on Lake Victoria and other major water bodies.
“These surveillance systems will help us monitor illegal fishing activities and enhance overall security on our lakes,” Museveni said.
The engagement reflects the government’s continued commitment to working with local communities to develop sustainable solutions that ensure both economic opportunity and environmental conservation in Uganda’s fisheries sector.
