APAC, September 1, 2025 — The Apac District Fisheries Department has urged fishermen operating across various landing sites in the district to formalise their businesses by joining organised entities, to enhance their access to financial support from both public and private sectors.
John Tyan, the Apac District Fisheries Officer, said that structured groups such as Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisations [SACCOs] have a stronger voice when advocating for financial assistance.
“When it comes to financing, the government supports organised groups, not individuals,” Tyan said, encouraging fishermen to obtain the necessary licences.
“Our data shows that we have licensed approximately 261 individuals so far, and more continue to come forward. We are no longer entertaining complaints, as we have already sensitised all stakeholders about the licensing requirements across the nine gazetted landing sites,” he added.
Licences currently being issued include boat licences, fish control permits, fishmongers’ permits, boat construction permits, refrigerated truck permits, and permits for local gear fabrication.
Tyan made the remarks during the recent election of leaders of the Apac District Fishermen and Fishmongers Presidential Initiative Cooperative, held in Apac Municipality. The cooperative is set to receive a government grant of Shs 1 billion to support the growth and sustainability of fishermen and fishmongers’ businesses.
Speaking after the election, Tom Richard Ogwang, the Apac District Senior Commercial Officer, emphasised the importance of the initiative in supporting the fishing community.
“Streamlining the fishing sector, promoting sustainable practices, and empowering local communities through access to proper equipment and regulatory compliance align with the government’s broader goals. This initiative comes at the right time to assist fishermen in acquiring approved fishing gear and operating within the legal framework,” Ogwang said.
David Ebong Ngwen, Chairperson of the Apac District Beach Management Unit (BMU), highlighted that the Presidential Initiative would significantly improve access to financial resources for fishermen, ultimately enhancing their livelihoods.
He expressed optimism that once the funds are disbursed, they would enable fishermen to acquire standardised fishing equipment and nets.
“This will ease the burden and suffering caused by the UPDF Fisheries Protection Unit [FPU], which often penalises fishermen and fishmongers for non-compliance with the lake’s Standard Operating Procedures [SOPs],” Ebong said.
Meanwhile, Faridah Atyang, Treasurer of the Fishermen and Fishmongers Presidential Initiative Cooperative, expressed hope that the initiative would also help members diversify their businesses.
“We face numerous challenges in the fishing business. Sometimes, floating objects damage our nets, reducing our catch. Additionally, fish stocks in the lake have declined. However, this cooperative will ease our access to loans, enabling us to explore other income-generating opportunities,” she said.
On his part, Maj. Joseph L. Cherop, Intelligence Officer of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces [UPDF] Fisheries Protection Unit [FPU] in charge of the Apac Sector, reiterated the unit’s commitment to cracking down on illegal fishing activities.
“The Ministry has issued clear directives on enforcing licensing. We have been coordinating closely with commanders, the DFO, and other stakeholders. I urge everyone to obtain a valid fishing licence,” Maj. Cherop warned.
In a recent consultative meeting with fishing communities and fisheries stakeholders held at the State Lodge in Jinja City, President Yoweri Museveni directed that indigenous fishermen should manage Uganda’s lakes, supported by the FPU.
Recognising the unique capital requirements of the fishing sector, Museveni proposed the establishment of a dedicated fisheries fund, noting that fishing demands a significant investment.
“The indigenous fishing communities must be organised into SACCOs based on proximity and purpose to ensure efficient service delivery. The government will allocate Shs 1 billion to each SACCO,” President Museveni said.
He added that the initiative forms part of a wider effort to transition more Ugandans from subsistence livelihoods into the money economy.
https://thecooperator.news/50-cooperatives-in-apac-and-kwania-districts-receive-farm-inputs/
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