Fish Traders Lament High Licensing Fees and Border Hurdles in Regional Trade

Fish traders operating across Uganda, Kenya, and South Sudan are voicing significant concerns over escalating licensing fees and non-tariff barriers that are impeding regional trade. These challenges are particularly acute for those involved in transporting fish to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a major market.

During a recent stakeholder meeting in Jinja City, traders highlighted issues such as the prohibitive cost and inaccessibility of necessary trade licenses. Some Ugandan traders reported being asked to pay as much as Shs10 million for a license, a sum deemed unaffordable for many small businesses reliant on loans. The reliance on middlemen for processing these licenses further complicates matters, leading to increased costs and potential exploitation.

Women and youth traders are facing additional hardships, including harassment at border points, landing sites, and markets. Reports suggest that some women have been subjected to demands for sexual favors in exchange for business opportunities or access to permits.

South Sudanese traders are also grappling with restrictions on fish consignments. Officials sometimes question the size or maturity of fish species, even when proper documentation is present. This is problematic as some South Sudanese fish species are naturally small even at maturity.

Traders from Kenya are urging East African Community (EAC) partner states to fully implement free-trade agreements and eliminate barriers. They’ve experienced issues with consignments being confiscated or rerouted, with allegations of fish being falsely claimed as originating from Uganda.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries acknowledged the traders’ concerns, stating that their licensing system aims to organize trade rather than restrict it. They encourage traders to form registered groups to streamline the licensing process and advised against using middlemen. The ministry also committed to presenting these issues to relevant authorities for resolution and emphasized the importance of harmonizing regulations across EAC states.

Overall, stakeholders are calling for unified licensing requirements, smoother border procedures, and enhanced coordination among EAC nations to dismantle these barriers and foster a more inclusive and sustainable regional fish trade, with a particular focus on protecting vulnerable groups like women and youth. The high costs and procedural complexities are also driving some exports to be routed through neighboring countries like Kenya and Tanzania, contributing to informal trade and smuggling.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)