President Yoweri Museveni has strongly warned Uganda fishermen and fishing factories against harvesting and trading in immature fish.

He says the practice of fishing, trading and consuming immature fish is hampering Uganda’s hitherto lucrative fishing sector.

The President is asking the new Minister of Fisheries, Ruth Nakabirwa to make sure she streamlines the fisheries sector and eliminates immature fishing.

While delivering the state of the nation address on Tuesday, Museveni said Uganda’s fish sector is one of the leading income earners for the country.

He says there are over 20 fish processing companies in Uganda who were earning 140M US$ per year, but this has reduced to $80 million due to inadequate fish occasioned by poor fishing methods that target immature fish. The President says the government will fight immature fishing so that Uganda can earn more money from fisheries.

Museveni also revealed that the government received funding from China and has funded four aquaculture development centres to improve fish production in the country. The centres are located on lake Victoria, Lake Albert and Lake Kyoga. He says fishing is one area where Uganda can rapidly increase production and earn income from shish exports.

Ultimate Media