The government, through the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, has embarked on the implementation of fishing licenses, which is an international fisheries management tool that is essential to regulate the sector.

Speaking to the media at a press conference on the licensing of fishing activities on major water bodies (Lakes Victoria, Kyoga, Edward, George and Albert), the Minister of State for Fisheries Hellen Adoa said anyone who is not authorized will not be allowed to engage in fishing activity.

She said responsible fishing requires states to issue fishing licenses as a regulatory process to optimize the exploitation and use of fisheries resources.

“The objective of licensing is to promote the sustainability of fisheries resources by regulating fishing capacity, entry and exit from the fishing industry,” she said.

Adoa said this exercise will be carried out from January 1 to March 31. Application begins April 1.

General fishing licensing procedures seen by The Nile Post include; registration, application, verification and issuance of the fishing license. For Lake Victoria, species-specific licenses will be issued and those in arrears will be required to clear them.

“All persons already involved in fishing activities must be registered. A new registration is made once every two years. Registered persons are not allowed to fish without a valid license. The application must be a one-time exercise, only registered individuals can apply to be considered for a license,” she said.

All persons requiring a license must provide Tax Identification Numbers (TINs), which will be obtained from any nearest Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) office or their agent.

Required identification documents include; National identity cards for nationals and passports for non-Ugandans.