Uniform Fishing Licenses Threaten Livelihoods, Spark Exodus Fears

Indigenous communities in Uganda, long reliant on natural resources for their sustenance, are facing a looming crisis due to a new, uniform licensing policy for fishing. For generations, communities around lakes like Edward and George have depended on these waters as their primary source of livelihood, identity, and survival, passing down fishing rights through families.

However, the government’s proposed “one-size-fits-all” licensing approach, particularly the reported cap of 33 fishing vessel licenses (FVLs) per landing site on controlled lakes, is sparking widespread concern. Critics argue this restrictive, colonial-era-like policy is detached from the realities of these long-established communities and threatens to economically suffocate them.

While the government has a duty to regulate fisheries and prevent depletion, recent directives appear to move in the opposite direction of promises made to return management control to local communities. This has instilled fear, uncertainty, and hopelessness, especially among the elderly who have no alternative means of support.

Discrepancies in the proposed licensing highlight the policy’s flaws. Despite Lake Edward being nearly three times larger than Lake George, the proposed allocation grants Lake Edward fewer FVLs. This uniform framework disregards population differences, economic realities, historical dependence, and comparative lake sizes.

There are growing fears that this directive could inadvertently fuel displacement, poverty, and social instability, echoing past displacements experienced by communities like the Basongora. Without carefully designed transitional measures, restricting these livelihoods risks forcing many into another cycle of economic exile.

Instead of drastic policy changes, the government is urged to engage in public participation with affected communities to develop a needs-based and lake-sensitive licensing framework. Prioritizing indigenous fishing communities with historical dependence and considering fish stock assessments are crucial before implementing any significant changes.

Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/oped/commentary/uniform-licensing-fuels-exodus-5472194