WOMEN DRY SILVERFISH NEAR LAKE VICTORIA. FAO PHOTO/BUSINESS EDGE

Amidst the luminous waters of Uganda lies a precious resource that has sustained thousands of livelihoods over the years-silverfish (Rastrineobola argentea), locally known as Mukene. The small pelagic fish is deeply interwoven with the fabric of the nation's fisheries sub-sector.

Despite its role as a low-cost, nutrient-dense food source, the Mukene faces dire threats from illegal fishing practices, posing risks to both ecological balance and the livelihoods of millions. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations (FAO), Uganda's fisheries sector boasts impressive figures, with reported catches exceeding 600,000 tons per year.

This bounty constitutes a staggering 81% of the fish consumed by the population, emphasizing the sector's pivotal role in providing protein, income, and revenue. The small-scale fisheries sector, on the other hand, supports over 3.2 million people dependent on fish-related livelihoods.

• Silverfish, dominant in Uganda's fish catches, is not only an important ingredient for animal feeds but also represents an affordable and nutrient-rich alternative to traditional protein sources for humans. However, a recent report by FAO indicated that up to 70–80 % of small fish catches are utilized for animal feed production – for example being exported to Kenya for the animal feed industry – rather than for human consumption.

Consequently, rampant illegal fishing practices threaten the sustainability of the nutrient-rich fish. From poor fishing methods to the diversion of Mukene for animal feed, these activities not only deplete fish stocks but also disrupt the delicate aquatic ecosystems essential for their survival.

Seven years ago, President Museveni introduced a military body - the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Force-Fisheries Protection Force (UPDF-FPF) - in the management of fisheries and enforcement of regulations involving fishing licences and restricted mesh sizes in fishing gears. However, the military interventions have largely prioritized protection of the commercially valuable Nile Perch exports. In 2018, for example, the fisheries sub-sector was the second largest export industry in Uganda, valued at USD169 million. However, profits are heavily skewed towards industrial processing industries owned by foreigners rather than indigenous small-scale fish harvesters.

• According to John Walugembe, the executive director of the Federation of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises, combatting these challenges necessitates a comprehensive approach, integrating regulation, education, and community engagement. He adds that strengthening enforcement mechanisms is critical to curbing illegal fishing activities, safeguarding fish stocks, and protecting livelihoods.

A CATCH OF NILE PERCH

“Raising awareness about the nutritional value of fish, particularly Mukene, can foster appreciation and promote sustainable consumption practices among consumers. Investing in alternative livelihoods for those engaged in illegal fishing can mitigate pressure on fish stocks while fostering economic opportunities in other sectors,” he argues.

Walugembe believes that initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable fishing practices and value addition hold promise in enhancing the resilience of small-scale fisheries, ensuring their continued contribution to food security and economic development.

According to the Uganda Bureau of Standards (UBOS), fisheries contribute 3% to Uganda’s GDP and approximately 12% to the total agriculture GDP, underscoring its economic significance. By charting a path towards sustainable practices, Walugembe adds, Uganda can preserve the future of Mukene and secure the well-being of its citizens for generations to come.

Indeed, Hellen Adoa, the fisheries state minister, believes in charting a path towards sustainable fishing practices, and has been in the press frequently, addressing a myriad of concerns and misconceptions surrounding fishing practices in Uganda's fisheries sector. For instance, during a recent press conference at the Uganda media center, Adoa outlined the challenges facing the fisheries sub-sector - the influx of immature fish from South Sudan, the use of illegal fishing gear, and unsustainable harvesting of silverfish.

• The minister particularly highlighted the detrimental effects of the ‘Hurry-Up’ fishing method, stressing how it is a threat to fish stocks due to its non-selective nature. However, she also clarified that while the ‘Hurry-Up’ method was indeed banned, the fishing of silverfish itself was not prohibited. Citing the Fish (Fishing Rules) of 2010, Adoa called for an immediate halt to the use of the banned method and urged relevant agencies to enforce the same.

• However, Godfrey Ssenyonga Kambogo, the chairman of the Association of Fishers and Lake Users of Uganda (AFALU) thinks it is currently impossible to decisively deal with the issues of illegal fishing in the country, citing lack of logistical support to government agencies mandated to deal with it. He says that the marine police and army, tasked with regulating illegal fishing, are stretched thin, and their efforts fall short due to limited resources and manpower.

He notes that this has left fishers vulnerable to exploitation thus perpetuating a cycle of illegal fishing practices. Says Kambogo: “Many of the fishermen are young, unemployed, and impoverished, relying solely on fishing for survival, and as such, expecting them to afford expensive fishing gear is unrealistic, and necessitates government support, perhaps through affordable credit schemes.”

By providing support, registering fishers, and promoting responsible fishing practices, Kambogo believes that Uganda can safeguard its precious aquatic resources for future generations.