MPs from the fishing communities have applauded President Museveni for signing the fisheries and aquaculture bill into law calling for full implementation of the act.
The bill was first passed by Parliament in May 2022, but the President declined to assent to it and returned it to Parliament to re-consider two clauses on licensing and surveillance.
The President had wanted UPDF to remain in continuous surveillance of illegal fishing and a clear definition of a licensing officer.
Parliament rejected the President proposal to maintain the UPDF under surveillance unit saying it's a constitutional mandate for Police to enforce law and order.
Speaking to MPs from the fishing communities , Robert Migadde of Buvuma county said that they want the fisheries officers with support from Uganda police to take lead in surveillance of water bodies because currently the UPDF is leading the operations and a number of fishermen have suffered a lot under their hands .
Bujumba county MP in Kalangala district, Mukasa Julius Opondo says the act will regulate the selling of fish Maw so that fishermen can also gain something from this lucrative Business.
The fishermen have been complaining of being exploited by middle men who export fish Maw to China.
Bbale county Mp in Kayunga district Charles Tebandeke said the ministry of Trade has been discriminating Ugandans in the issuance of licenses for fish Maw trade.
Under the new act Parliament imposed an 8 percent levy on every kilogram of exported fish Maw.
Tebandeke also appealed to Government to create up a special fund for fisher men where they can borrow money to buy standard fishing gears to avoid illegal ones.
The chairperson of Agriculture committee of Parliament Janet Okori-Moe appealed to the fishing community to adhere to the provisions in the law to avoid depleting the fish resources.
