MAAIF Boosts Fisheries Enforcement with New Equipment to Combat Illegal Fishing

KAMPALA, Uganda — September 18, 2026: The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) has strengthened its capacity to supervise Uganda’s fisheries sector following the launch and handover of new Quality Assurance and Enforcement equipment, including engines for fisheries enforcement teams operating on the country’s lakes and other water bodies.

The equipment is intended to improve the ability of fisheries officers to monitor fishing activities, enforce fisheries regulations and respond to illegal and destructive fishing practices that threaten fish stocks and the long-term sustainability of Uganda’s fisheries resources.

The intervention comes as the Government continues efforts to strengthen regulation of the fisheries sector while promoting cooperation between enforcement authorities and fishing communities.

Speaking during the launch and handover ceremony, State Minister for Fisheries Hon. Robert Migadde said the Government’s approach to fisheries enforcement should combine effective regulation with dialogue and engagement with people whose livelihoods depend on the country’s water bodies.

“We are doing everything possible to ensure that we work closely with the people who use our lakes. The relationship between the Ministry teams and the fishing communities should not be based on fights, but on engagement and cooperation,” Migadde said.

Equipment to strengthen field operations

The newly handed-over equipment is expected to give fisheries teams greater operational capacity as they conduct inspections, patrol water bodies and monitor compliance with fisheries laws and regulations.

The engines and other Quality Assurance and Enforcement tools will support teams working on Uganda’s lakes and other fishing grounds, enabling them to respond more effectively to reported violations and conduct routine supervision of fisheries activities.

According to the Ministry, stronger field capacity is necessary to ensure that regulations governing fishing are implemented effectively and that fisheries resources are protected from practices that could undermine fish populations.

The equipment will also support quality assurance activities aimed at promoting compliance with established standards within the fisheries sector.

Government targets illegal fishing Minister

Migadde said Government would continue taking action against illegal and destructive fishing methods, which he said pose a threat to fish stocks and the sustainability of the sector.

While enforcement remains a key component of the Government’s fisheries management strategy, the Minister stressed that it should be accompanied by continued engagement with fishing communities.

He said fisheries officers and fishing communities should develop a cooperative relationship in which communities understand the importance of complying with regulations while enforcement teams carry out their responsibilities professionally.

The approach is intended to reduce confrontation and encourage greater participation by fishing communities in protecting Uganda’s fisheries resources.

Commitment to fisheries sector

Migadde also said the Government remains ready to support and finance fisheries activities, in line with the commitment made by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to strengthen the sector.

The fisheries sector contributes to livelihoods and food security through employment, fish production, trade and related activities. Protecting the resource therefore remains important to ensuring that fishing communities can continue benefiting from the sector.

The Minister's remarks underline the Government's intention to combine investment in enforcement capacity with measures aimed at improving compliance and maintaining productive fisheries.

Focus on sustainable fisheries

The handover of the new equipment marks another step in MAAIF’s efforts to improve fisheries supervision and enforcement across Uganda’s water bodies.

With improved operational tools, fisheries teams are expected to enhance monitoring, identify violations, enforce regulations and promote adherence to standards among those involved in fishing and related activities.

MAAIF reiterated that its overall objective is to protect Uganda’s fisheries resources while supporting lawful fishing and ensuring that the sector remains productive and sustainable for both present and future generations.

The Ministry's emphasis on cooperation with fishing communities is also expected to complement enforcement operations by encouraging users of the water bodies to participate in protecting the resource on which their livelihoods depend.