Mukene fishing resumes under tough new licensing rules

Kampala, Uganda | URN | Silver fish (mukene) fishing has resumed following the lifting of a government suspension, but fishers face stringent new licensing requirements, including restrictions on fishing equipment, boat size, crew numbers, and operating days.

The new measures require fishers to use only approved scoop nets, locally known as chota-chota, restrict each boat to a maximum of two crew members and prohibit the use of Lampara nets and other panelled fishing appliances.

State Minister for Fisheries Robert Migadde Ndugwa announced the reopening and new guidelines on Tuesday while addressing journalists at the Uganda Media Centre. He said the resumption, effective November 10, 2026, was conditional on fishers abandoning the prohibited “Hurry Up” fishing method that led to the suspension of the activity.

“We are giving an opportunity to those fishing in Mukene to resume fishery, and that is today, the 10th of November 2026. But there are conditions and guidelines that they are supposed to follow,” Migadde said.

He warned that the prohibited method must not reappear on the country’s waters. “The reason why they were suspended is because they were using that method called Hurry Up. And therefore, when we are opening them, that method should not be seen anywhere,” he said.

Under the new licensing framework, only fishers or boat owners who previously held silver fish fishing licences in 2023, 2024, 2025 or 2026 will qualify to apply. Fishing vessels must measure at least 24 feet in total length and carry no more than two people, including the boat operator and crew, compared to the previous arrangement that allowed three people.

Each vessel will be permitted to carry only one chota-chota scoop net mounted on a wooden ring measuring no more than five feet in diameter and fitted with a handle. The net must have a mesh size of at least eight millimetres, while Lampara nets and other panelled fishing appliances are prohibited.

Migadde also announced a restriction limiting Mukene fishing to 14 days each month, beginning with the dark phase of the moon. Fishing will further be prohibited in water bays, fish breeding grounds and other areas within two kilometres of the shoreline.

Each fishing boat will also be required to return to the landing site with its catch and fishing equipment on board. The minister said district authorities would be required to submit to the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) lists of designated landing sites where Mukene and Ragoogi/Muziri would be landed.

Licensing and verification

Under the new arrangements, intending applicants must express interest in obtaining a fishing vessel licence or fishing permits for their boat crew and present their equipment for inspection and verification by the relevant authorities.

Applicants will also be required to submit their National Identification Cards as proof of Ugandan citizenship, copies of previous fishing licences, evidence of ownership of their vessels and telephone contacts registered in their names.

They must also be prepared to pay the applicable licensing and permit fees promptly once their applications are approved. Migadde said the new conditions were intended to promote sustainable fisheries management, strengthen compliance with fishing regulations and protect fish breeding grounds.

New fisheries regulations

In a related development, the minister said the Ministry had finalised nine regulations under the Fisheries and Aquaculture Act, 2023, which are undergoing final gazettement. The regulations are expected to strengthen the legal framework governing fishing operations and the management of Uganda’s fisheries resources.

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