The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries has temporarily halted the licensing of fishing vessels for 2026, pending the completion of newly established fisheries management committees across the country.
According to a directive issued through the Directorate of Fisheries Resources, the move follows instructions from the State Minister for Fisheries, aimed at strengthening oversight and improving regulation in the sector.
The licensing exercise, which traditionally runs from January 1 to March 30 each year under the Fish (Fishing) Rules, 2010, has been paused to allow for the formation and validation of local committees that will play a key role in the process.
The selection of these committees is currently ongoing in several districts and is being coordinated under the supervision of Maj. Gen. James Birungi Okiding, following guidance from the President.
In a communication to District Fisheries Officers, the ministry indicated that once the process resumes, priority will be given to fishers who complied with licensing requirements in 2025. New applicants will be placed on a waiting list and considered only when slots become available.
Authorities also emphasized that licensing will strictly adhere to set limits on the number of fishing vessels allowed per landing site, in a bid to control overfishing and promote sustainability.
Under the new guidelines, all fishers will be required to undergo a vetting process conducted by the newly formed committees. Their recommendations will then be submitted through district local government authorities for final approval by the ministry.
Officials say the changes are intended to streamline operations, enhance transparency, and ensure better management of the country’s fisheries resources.
