The Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries has moved to protect local fishermen by banning fish processing factories from sending boats into lakes to catch fish or buying fish directly from fishermen at the shore.
Ambassador Dr. Bashiru Ally Kakurwa, the Minister, said the practice disrupts the market, reduces fishermen’s income, and encourages illegal fishing.
He made the announcement during a visit to the Nile Perch processing plant in Muleba, Kagera Region, on December 29, 2025.
“All factories engaging in this practice are creating unfair competition and forcing fishermen to fish on credit while managing households and loans like any business,” the Minister said.
Dr. Bashiru added that his ministry has set up multiple channels to receive complaints from citizens frustrated by unlawful fishing activities.
“We will act on this information to ensure communities cooperate with the government in ending these practices,” he noted.
The ban is backed by Regulation 13 of the National Fisheries Act, which prohibits anyone from fishing, collecting, transporting, or trading fish for commercial purposes without a valid license.