Members of Parliament (MPs) are pressuring the Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industries, and Fisheries, Frank Tumwebaze, to expedite the implementation of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Act, 2022. They emphasize that the law’s enforcement is crucial in addressing the use of substandard fishing gear and preventing alleged human rights violations of fish farmers by security operatives.
The Act, recently passed by Parliament, aims to regulate fishing and aquaculture activities, licensing, and fishing methods. MPs believe that its implementation will not only combat illegal fishing practices but also protect fishers from blackmail and torture by security forces.
In 2017, President Yoweri Museveni deployed the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) to address illegal fishing practices and protect threatened fish resources. However, without proper regulations, fishers are reportedly coerced into using substandard imported gear, affecting their businesses.
Agnes Atim (NRM, District Woman Rep., Amolatar) expressed concern over the alleged mistreatment of fishers and urged for investigations into the illegal trading of nets. She called for support to fishers with legal gear, boats, and engines, emphasizing that the fishing community has faced neglect.
Peter Okeyoh (NRM, Bukooli Island County) highlighted the financial impact on fishers forced to purchase costly imported gear. He urged a focus on addressing the plight of fishermen, whose rights are reportedly abused.
Emmanuel Ongiertho (FDC, Jonam County) stressed the infiltration of substandard gear in fishing communities, making it challenging to convince fishers to use legal equipment. He emphasized the importance of dealing with the issue promptly.
Abed Bwanika (NUP, Kimaanya-Kabonera) attributed the challenges to the absence of regulations to operationalize the Fisheries and Aquaculture Act. He emphasized the need for a dedicated unit to enforce the law.
Elijah Okupa (Indep., Kasilo County) proposed a ban on the importation of threads used for making fishing gear, highlighting the urgency of resolving the issue.
Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa granted the agriculture minister one month to table the regulations, addressing the MPs’ concerns. Additionally, the MPs called for attention to cases of torture and human rights abuses in fishing communities by the UPDF.
Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Hon. Vincent Ssempijja, pledged to investigate the allegations and report back on February 6, 2024, emphasizing the UPDF’s commitment to addressing such issues.
