State Minister for Fisheries Robert Migadde Ndugwa has dismissed claims that the government has halted fishing activities on Uganda’s waters, emphasizing that fishermen remain free to operate as long as they use approved fishing gear and comply with fisheries regulations.
Migadde made the remarks on Thursday while campaigning for NRM flag bearer Nabayiga Idah at Lwanabatya Landing Site in Kyamuswa County on Buseke Island ahead of the Kalangala District Woman Member of Parliament by-election.
Addressing hundreds of residents and members of the fishing community, Minister Miggade said misinformation, particularly on social media, had created a false impression that government restrictions had stopped fishing activities.
“People are allowed to fish, but they must use the right gear. The impression that fishing has been stopped is not true,” Migadde said.
He warned individuals involved in the importation, distribution, and use of illegal fishing gear that the government would continue enforcing fisheries laws to protect fish stocks and safeguard livelihoods that depend on the lake.
According to Migadde, the Fisheries and Aquaculture Act provides severe penalties for offenders. Importers of illegal fishing gear face up to seven years in prison, while users risk up to two years in jail.
“We made the law very punitive because we want to eliminate illegal fishing practices. Those importing illegal gear should know the consequences ahead of them,” he said.
The minister urged fishing communities to support enforcement efforts by reporting stores and individuals involved in the sale and distribution of illegal fishing gear.
“If people continue giving us information about where the stores are and who the distributors are, it will go a long way in helping us address this challenge,” he noted.
Migadde also called for greater unity among fishermen, fish traders, and other stakeholders, saying collaboration was essential for sustainable fisheries management.
Addressing concerns about corruption among fisheries enforcement personnel, he said the government had introduced regular transfers of officers to minimize opportunities for misconduct. He, however, stressed that both bribe takers and bribe givers would be held accountable.
“We are not only looking at the enforcement officers. Any fisher who offers a bribe will also be arrested if evidence is provided. We must all be vigilant and support the fight against corruption,” he said.
The minister further revealed plans to strengthen landing site management committees by granting them greater authority in fisheries governance, including supervising the destruction of confiscated illegal fishing gear at the point of seizure.
The campaign meeting was also attended by Kyamuswa County MP Carolyn Birungi Nanyondo and NRM candidate Nabayiga Idah, who called for continued support for the ruling party and pledged to lobby for improved services and government programmes in the island district if elected.
Nabayiga said Kalangala’s challenges in sectors such as health, transport, and fisheries require leaders capable of engaging government and securing development opportunities for island communities.
“We are not constituting a government because the government is already in place. What remains is to complete the NRM leadership structure in Kalangala by electing leaders who can effectively lobby for services,” she said.
Birungi urged voters to elect leaders who understand the realities of island and fishing communities, arguing that effective representation would strengthen efforts to address local challenges and accelerate development.
The leaders jointly appealed to residents to support Nabayiga in the forthcoming by-election, saying her election would strengthen Kalangala’s voice in government and advance the interests of fishing communities across the district.
