By Racheal N. Namuli
Uganda loses between $1.4 billion and $1.5 billion annually due to illegal fishing, with the vice undermining employment, tax revenue, export markets and the sustainability of the country’s fisheries resources, the Uganda Fish Processors and Exporters Association (UFPEA) has revealed.
UFPEA Chief Executive Officer William Tibyasa said the losses reflect not only foregone revenue but also lost employment opportunities, reduced tax collections, declining market access and irreversible ecological damage.
Tibyasa made the remarks during a training session for 155 Marine Battalion commanders in Entebbe, organised to equip the officers with fisheries knowledge to strengthen enforcement against illegal fishing activities.
The officers were also reminded of their responsibility to ensure accountability and proper reporting in the execution of their duties.
According to Tibyasa, the continued use of prohibited fishing gear, including monofilament nets and nets with illegal mesh sizes, is among the major drivers of the losses.
He said the processing of large volumes of fish outside licensed factories also contributes to lost export earnings, reduced employment opportunities, lower tax revenue and increased food safety risks.
“The large volumes of fish processed outside licensed factories also lead to loss of export earnings, loss of employment opportunities, reduced tax revenue and increased food safety risks,” Tibyasa said.
He added that the illegal gutting of Nile perch to extract fish maws for illicit export markets results in estimated annual losses of about $121.7 million.
Nets used for illegal fishing being burnt
“The Ugandan fisheries industry is facing a systematic crisis driven by widespread illegalities that undermine decades of investment, food safety systems and global market positioning,” he said.
During the training, the 155 Marine Battalion officers also released operational sector analysis performance returns for the period covering April to July 2026.
The report indicates continued recovery of illegal fishing gear, particularly illegal hooks, monofilament nets and undersized gill nets, highlighting the persistence of illegal fishing activities.
According to the report, a total of 405,728 illegal hooks, 96,938 monofilament nets and 21,329 undersized gill nets were recorded during the reporting period.
“The continued recovery of these items highlights the persistence of illegal fishing activities,” the report states.
The findings underscore the continued need for stronger enforcement, improved accountability and sustained efforts to protect Uganda’s fisheries resources from illegal exploitation.
