By Jumah Kakomo
The Government has officially reopened Mukene (silverfish) fishing, effective November 10, 2026, following a suspension of illegal harvesting methods that were threatening the sustainability of the country’s fisheries resources.
The reopening was announced on Tuesday by the Minister of State for Fisheries, Hon. Robert Migadde, at the Uganda Media Centre (UMC).
Migadde clarified that the Government had never imposed a blanket ban on Mukene fishing, contrary to public perception, but had only suspended a particular harvesting method associated with the capture of immature fish and other juvenile species.
He explained that the restriction targeted an illegal fishing method locally referred to as “hurry-up”, which involves joining several net panels together to cover a large fishing area and indiscriminately harvest fish, including immature species.
“The Government did not ban Mukene. What was suspended was a particular method of harvesting silverfish because it was destructive and resulted in the indiscriminate harvesting of immature fish,” Migadde said.
He explained that the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries had since been working through its technical departments to identify a sustainable alternative to the prohibited harvesting method while ensuring that fishing communities could continue benefiting from the Mukene resource.
The Minister said the reopening would be subject to specific operational guidelines aimed at promoting responsible fishing, protecting immature fish and restoring order on Uganda’s lakes.
He emphasised that licensing remains compulsory for everyone engaged in commercial fishing, irrespective of the fish species being harvested.
According to Migadde, the fishing licensing cycle runs from January 1 to December 31 every year. All fishers and fishing vessel operators are therefore required to obtain valid licences before resuming their activities.
He called upon Mukene fishers who had previously been engaged in the activity to regularise their licensing status and comply with the newly established conditions.
Under the new guidelines, Mukene fishers will be required to observe the following conditions:
1. Maximum of two people per fishing boat
The number of people permitted aboard a Mukene fishing vessel has been reduced from three to two.
Migadde said the adjustment brings Mukene fishing operations into line with the applicable requirements for other fishing activities.
Any vessel found operating with more than two people will be considered to be in violation of the guidelines.
2. Ban on solar-powered fishing lights
The Ministry has prohibited the use of solar-powered lights during Mukene fishing operations.
The Minister observed that the widespread use of solar lights on fishing vessels had resulted in excessive illumination across the lakes, potentially obstructing navigation and creating safety concerns for other water users.
Under the new guidelines, fishing boats will be permitted to use a maximum of two kerosene lamps, commonly known as pressure lamps or steamer lamps.
A fisher may use one lamp, but the number must not exceed two per vessel.
3. Standardised scoop nets and mesh sizes
Mukene fishers will be required to use authorised scoop nets fitted with wooden rings measuring five feet in diameter.
The nets must have a mesh size of not less than eight millimetres to help prevent the capture of immature fish.
Migadde stressed that the prescribed measurements must be respected, warning that any fishing gear that does not meet the stipulated specifications will be considered non-compliant.
4. Ban on Lampara and multi-panel nets
The use of Lampara nets and other prohibited multi-panel fishing nets remains outlawed.
Migadde emphasised that the reopening of Mukene fishing should not be interpreted as permission to return to the destructive fishing methods that led to the earlier suspension.
He warned that enforcement officers would take action against fishers found using the prohibited equipment.
5. Revised fishing vessel specifications
The Ministry has revised the minimum size requirement for Mukene fishing vessels to 24 feet.
The Minister explained that the adjustment forms part of the new operational arrangements intended to provide an alternative to the previously prohibited fishing method.
All vessels must be appropriately licensed and comply with the prescribed fishing equipment and operational requirements.
6. Fishing restricted to 14 days per lunar month
Mukene fishing will be permitted for only 14 days during the dark phase of the moon in each lunar month.
Migadde explained that the restriction is intended to regulate fishing pressure and ensure that fishing activities are conducted within the authorised period rather than throughout the entire month.
7. Protection of fish breeding grounds and restricted zones
Fishing operations must be conducted away from designated fish breeding grounds and protected areas.
The Minister specifically warned against fishing within restricted areas, including locations less than two kilometres from the shoreline, where applicable restrictions are intended to protect fish breeding and nursery grounds.
He urged fishers to respect designated fishing zones and avoid activities that could undermine the regeneration of fish stocks.
8. Licensing, identification and monitoring of fishing vessels
Every fishing vessel must have a valid licence and operate using authorised fishing equipment.
The Minister emphasised the need for fishers to comply with the licensing and operational requirements to facilitate the monitoring and regulation of Mukene fishing activities.
