The government has set September 15, 2026, as the deadline for all people engaged in fisheries and aquaculture activities to register and obtain operating licences or face enforcement.

The directive follows President Yoweri Museveni’s assent to the Fisheries and Aquaculture Act, 2023, which seeks to reform and modernise the management of Uganda’s fish stocks, regulate fishing gear and establish local co-management structures.

Speaking to journalists at the Uganda Media Centre, the Minister of State for Fisheries, Hon. Robert Ndugwa, said the registration exercise is intended to regulate fishing activities and promote sustainable conservation of fish resources for future generations.

Ndugwa said the registration exercise was initially scheduled to take place between January and March this year but was delayed.

He said the government is now moving to expedite the regulation of the sector and protect Uganda’s fish market, particularly in the European market, where Ugandan fish has sometimes been rejected over poor handling and quality concerns.

The minister warned that after September 15, any unlicensed fishing boat, fishing net or aquaculture activity will be subject to enforcement.

He said the registration process is free of charge and urged local governments, civil society organisations and private-sector players to support communities in completing the registration process before the deadline.

By Olivia Nabaggala