The government has allowed silver fish (mukene) fishing to resume under new conditions that restrict the type of nets, size of boats, number of crew members and days fishers can operate.
The reopening took effect on November 10, 2026, following the suspension of the prohibited “Hurry Up” fishing method. State Minister for Fisheries Robert Migadde Ndugwa announced the decision at the Uganda Media Centre in Kampala, saying fishers could return to the water if they complied with the new guidelines and obtained the required licences.
“We are giving an opportunity to those fishing in Mukene to resume fishery, and that is today, the 10th of November 2026. But there are conditions and guidelines that they are supposed to follow,” Migadde said.
He warned that the method that led to the suspension must not return to Uganda’s waters.
“The reason why they were suspended is because they were using that method called Hurry Up. And therefore, when we are opening them, that method should not be seen anywhere,” he said.
The government banned the use of lampara nets modified for “Hurry Up” fishing in February 2024. The method was criticised for catching immature Nile perch, tilapia and other fish alongside mukene. The latest decision restores the approved scoop-net method, known locally as chota-chota, rather than lifting restrictions on all fishing methods.
Who qualifies for a licence?
Under the new guidelines, only fishers or boat owners who held a silver fish fishing licence in at least one of the years 2023, 2024, 2025 or 2026 will qualify to apply.
Fishing vessels must measure at least 24 feet in total length and carry no more than two people, including the boat operator and crew. This reduces the previous allowance of three people per vessel.
Each boat will be permitted to carry one chota-chota scoop net. The net must be mounted on a wooden ring with a maximum diameter of five feet and fitted with a handle. Its mesh size must be at least eight millimetres.
Lampara nets and other panelled fishing equipment are prohibited under the guidelines.
The rules also limit fishing to 14 days each month, beginning with the dark phase of the moon. Fishers must stay away from water bays, fish breeding grounds and areas within two kilometres of the shoreline.
Boats must return to their designated landing sites with their catch and fishing equipment on board.
The guidelines also prohibit solar-powered fishing lights. Each vessel may use no more than two kerosene or pressure lamps, according to the minister.
Application and inspection requirements
Intending applicants must express interest in obtaining a fishing vessel licence or permits for their crew. They must also present their boats and fishing equipment for inspection and verification by the relevant authorities.
The required documents include National Identity Cards as proof of Ugandan citizenship, copies of previous fishing licences, evidence of vessel ownership and telephone contacts registered in the applicants’ names.
Applicants whose applications are approved must also pay the applicable licence and permit fees.
District authorities will submit lists of designated landing sites to the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), identifying where mukene and ragoogi or muziri may be landed.
The ministry says the measures are intended to improve compliance with fisheries regulations, manage fishing activities and protect breeding grounds.
New fisheries regulations awaiting gazettement
Migadde said the ministry had finalised nine regulations under the Fisheries and Aquaculture Act, 2023, which were undergoing final gazettement.
The Act provides the legal framework for regulating fishing and aquaculture activities, licensing fishers and controlling fishing methods and equipment.
The new licensing guidelines will apply while the ministry awaits the more detailed regulations. The government has said the guidelines are intended to strengthen oversight of fishing operations and the management of Uganda’s fisheries resources.
