(Kinshasa) – Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are actively seeking solutions to longstanding conflicts among fishing communities on the shared Lakes Edward and Albert. The disputes, which have persisted for years, center around the mode of operation on these lakes, leading to frequent arrests of fishermen for allegedly using illegal fishing gear and crossing international boundaries.
Recently, 35 Congolese fishermen were arrested and deported by Ugandan authorities for allegedly entering Ugandan waters and using illegal fishing gear. Similarly, Ugandan fishermen have also fallen victim to DRC authorities under similar accusations. These incidents underscore the need for harmonized regulations and improved cooperation between the two countries.
These issues were the focus of discussions during the Third Ordinary Session of the Council of Ministers of the Lakes Edward and Albert Fisheries and Aquaculture Organisation (LEAFAO). The meeting, which began on August 21, 2024, in Kinshasa, DRC, was attended by a Ugandan delegation led by State Minister for Fisheries Hellen Adoa, accompanied by State Minister for Regional Cooperation John Mulimba, Agriculture Ministry Undersecretary Ronald Segawa Gyagenda, and Dr. Sam Omara.
During the meeting, Minister Adoa raised concerns about the ongoing detention of Ugandan fishermen in the DRC and the challenges in enforcing fisheries regulations. She emphasized the need for a sustainable approach to managing the lakes, which includes harmonizing arrests and addressing the prolonged detention of illegal fishers.
“How can we sustain the lake, harmonize the arrests between illegal fishers of Uganda and DRC, and address the issue of prolonged detention?” Adoa questioned, highlighting the need for collaborative solutions.
The meeting also marked the end of Adoa’s tenure as chairperson of LEAFAO, as she handed over the position to her DRC counterpart, the Minister of Livestock and Fisheries. In her remarks, Adoa reflected on the challenges faced during her tenure, including difficulties in enforcing fisheries regulations and conflicts between fishing operators in the two countries.
“Our future directions for LEAFAO should continue to strengthen regional cooperation and collaboration, enhance capacity building for fisheries management and development, promote sustainable fishing practices, and address environmental concerns,” Adoa said.
LEAFAO was established as a result of a long-standing commitment to regional cooperation, dating back to 1986 when Uganda and the DRC formed the Joint Permanent Commission. This partnership led to the signing of the Bilateral Fisheries Agreement on October 20, 2018, which laid the foundation for LEAFAO’s creation. The organization aims to promote equitable and sustainable utilization of fisheries and natural resources, harmonize legislation and policies across borders, protect aquatic biodiversity, prevent adverse impacts on the ecosystem, address transboundary challenges, and enhance community benefits through education, safety, and conflict resolution.
