By State Minister for Fisheries, Helen Adoa, has acknowledged public outcry over alleged misconduct by the Fisheries Protection Unit (FPU) but defended its broader mandate to protect Uganda’s lakes from depletion and illegal fishing practices.
Speaking at the launch of the World Aquaculture Safari 2025 in Kampala, Adoa acknowledged receiving allegations of harassment by FPU officers, particularly in Bufuma and other fishing communities, but emphasized that the FPU’s work remains crucial to preserving fish stocks.
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“By 2017, there was almost nothing left in the lake. People begged the president to act,” Adoa said. “Yes, some FPU officers may err, but their mission is to save our natural resource from destruction.”
She revealed that due to under-staffing, some FPU operatives have relied on unauthorized individuals, some of whom have reportedly worn army uniforms and brutalized fishermen. Adoa condemned these actions and announced plans to meet with the FPU commander next week to resolve the issue and consider returning impounded boats, motorcycles, and vehicles to affected communities.
The Minister urged fishermen to organize into cooperatives or associations to better channel grievances and work with government. “The biggest challenge in this ministry is the disorganization among fishermen. They blackmail each other and work as individuals,” she said.
Adoa further disclosed that President Museveni had planned to meet indigenous fishermen to hear their views on the future of FPU operations on the lake, though the meeting may be delayed due to election activities.
On policy, the minister said regulations to operationalize the Fisheries and Aquaculture Act, 2023, are 95% ready and will be presented to Parliament after the ongoing political primaries. These include provisions on fish maw exports and direct access to the Chinese market without intermediaries.
She also championed aquaculture expansion as an alternative to relieve pressure on natural lakes. “The population is increasing, but the lakes are not. We need alternatives like tank fish farming in people’s homes,” she said.
In a significant development, Adoa announced that President Museveni is expected to launch a fish feed factory in Jinja this September, funded by Dutch investors. The facility will produce high-quality feed, which she said will stimulate maize and soya bean farming, and enhance local fish farming productivity.
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She concluded by urging investment in landing site infrastructure, skilling programs for youth and women, and improved schooling to provide fishing communities with sustainable alternatives and reduce overreliance on the lake.
“It used to be worse. At least now we’ve come a long way,” Adoa said, expressing hope that with proper reforms and community involvement, the fisheries sector can achieve both sustainability and prosperity.
