national 16 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
New Fishing Rules Limit 100 Fishermen and 30 Boats Per Landing Site
Uganda's government has introduced reforms allowing only 100 fishermen and 30 boats per landing site, with licensing required for both fishermen and fish mongers. The UPDF will resume lake patrols to enforce sustainable practices and curb illegal fishing. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/govt-to-license-only-100-fishermen-30-boats-per-landing-site-in-new-guidelines-5426498
Lt. Gen. Sam Okiding, Deputy Chief of Defence Forces and head of the UPDF 155 Marines Battalion, announced strict new guidelines for fishing on Ugandan lakes. Under the reforms, each landing site will be limited to 100 licensed fishermen and 30 boats.
Fish mongers must also obtain licenses to run their businesses. The army plans to return to the lakes to oversee activities and promote sustainable fishing while safeguarding fish stocks.
Speaking at a sensitization event in Kayago Landing Site, Namasale Town Council, Amolatar District, Lt. Gen. Okiding warned against illegal gear and methods, stating offenders face arrest and up to eight months in jail.
Amolatar Deputy RDC Magwar Obonyo urged affected fishermen to explore alternatives like the Parish Development Model for new income sources.
Local leaders, including Kayei Landing Site chairman Sammy Ogwal Oboma, called for community involvement in regulation to prevent chaos from returning illegal operators. Former fisherman Keny Bombastic highlighted the high costs of licenses and gear, predicting some might risk night fishing and clashes with soldiers.