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Low turnout in Dokolo fishermen registration, says DFO Otim

10 September 2025, 6:26 pm

A man fishing at the landing site. Courtesy photo.

By Baker Okello

The District Fisheries Officer (DFO) of Dokolo, Mr Otim Benard, has expressed concern over the low turnout in the ongoing annual registration of fishermen at the district’s gazetted landing sites.

Speaking in a phone interview with our reporter, Otim revealed that the exercise, currently taking place at eight gazetted landing sites established under the Fisheries and Aquaculture Act, 2023 (Act 5 of 2023), has so far attracted minimal participation from the fishing community.

According to the DFO, the low turnout is largely due to persistent challenges such as poor fish catches, often linked to the continued use of illegal fishing gear, as well as the prevailing poverty among fisherfolk.

Otim on the continued use of illegal fishing gear – Lango.

The annual registration exercise includes the licensing of boat owners and anglers at UGX 150,000; fishmongers at UGX 50,000; and transporters or refrigerated truck operators at UGX 200,000.

Otim urged members of the fishing community to embrace registration and licensing, emphasising that it is essential for improving service delivery in areas such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure.

He further called for a shift in mindset among local fishermen, encouraging them to move away from illegal fishing practices and adopt modern, sustainable methods.

Otim on the transition from illegal fishing practices to modern, sustainable methods – Lango.

The registration exercise forms part of the government’s broader efforts to regulate and formalise the fishing sector in line with the new legal framework under the Fisheries and Aquaculture Act.