Government Gives Fishermen September 15 Deadline to Obtain Licences Under New Rules

What the report says

Uganda’s government has set September 15, 2026 as the deadline for fishermen to obtain licences under new fisheries rules, warning that those who do not comply could face enforcement action and removal from water bodies. The announcement was made by State Minister for Fisheries Robert Migade Ndugwa at the Uganda Media Centre, according to Nile Post.

The new framework, introduced under the 2023 fisheries law, is designed to curb overfishing, improve compliance and support recovery of fish stocks. Nile Post reports that the regulations will require more detailed licensing, including species-specific permits for different types of fishing. They also cover standardised gear, protection of breeding grounds, closed fishing periods, and stronger monitoring and quality controls.

The ministry said it plans to intensify action after the deadline against illegal fishing, including markets selling immature fish and suppliers of illegal gear. It also described a broader package of regulations covering boat capacity limits, aquaculture, fish maw trade, co-management structures, and stocking and restocking of water bodies.

More broadly, Uganda’s fisheries sector is an important source of food, jobs and export earnings, so tighter controls are being presented as a conservation and economic measure. The government also plans a Monitoring, Control and Surveillance Unit to help enforce the new rules, which officials say are aimed at sustaining livelihoods while protecting aquatic resources.