An analysis of the role of the military in enforcing fishing laws and policies and its impact on sustainable development in Uganda

Abstract

A single female Nile perch, measuring between 50 and 80 centimeters and aged about three years, has the potential to lay up to 9 million eggs during its peak breeding season, which spans from March to June. In contrast, a one-year-old female Nile tilapia, approximately 16 centimeters in length, can yield around 19,500 eggs annually. The premature harvesting of just one immature fish, therefore, results in a massive loss in potential fish population—either 9 million Nile perch offspring or 19,500 Nile tilapia fry, depending on the species. Fishing communities, however, believe that the lake is a mother to everybody, it does not segregate, anyone can go to the lake, catch fish to the best of their ability and survive. Nonetheless, illegal fishing remains a major challenge to Uganda’s fisheries sector, jeopardizing ecological sustainability, food supply chains, and the economic wellbeing of law-abiding fishers. With an estimated 80% of Uganda’s fishers categorized as artisanal and heavily dependent on fishing for both their livelihood and nutrition, the consequences of unregulated practices are far-reaching. These practices—such as the use of illegal gear, unauthorized boats, and harvesting of juvenile fish—have significantly diminished fish populations and strained the resilience of fishing communities. To curb these threats, the government initiated `the Fisheries Protection Unit (FPU) in 2017, placing it under military command to ensure compliance with existing fisheries legislation and clamp down on illegal fishing. The general objective of the study is to analyze the role of the military in enforcing fishing laws and policies and its impact on the sustainable development of fisheries in Uganda. This study begins by analyzing the legal and institutional frameworks governing the military’s role in enforcing fishing laws in Uganda. It identifies critical gaps that may hinder the effectiveness of the Fisheries Protection Unit and highlights opportunities for strengthening these frameworks to support sustainable fisheries management. The study then examines the historical factors that led to the military’s involvement in fisheries management. This historical analysis sheds light on the context and rationale for military intervention, offering a deeper understanding of how this approach has developed over time and its relevance to the present-day challenges in Uganda’s fisheries sector. Following this, the study assesses the achievements and challenges faced by the military in reducing illegal fishing activities. It highlights the notable successes of the Fisheries Protection Unit, such as the reduction of illegal fishing and the restoration of fish stocks. At the same time, it critically examines the challenges, including community resistance, resource constraints, and the narrow scope of the FPU’s mandate, which undermine its overall effectiveness. The study also analyzes the impact of military intervention in enforcing fishing laws on the sustainable development of Uganda’s fisheries. It focuses on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 1 (No Poverty), 2 (Zero Hunger), and 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions). The analysis demonstrates how the FPU’s efforts contribute to poverty reduction, food security, and the promotion of peace and justice in fishing communities, while also identifying areas for improvement to maximize these benefits. Finally, the study proposes actionable recommendations to enhance the military’s role in fisheries management. These recommendations include addressing resource constraints, expanding the FPU’s mandate, fostering community engagement, and strengthening legal and institutional frameworks to ensure the long-term sustainability of Uganda’s fisheries. The study emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach that addresses the root causes of illegal fishing, such as poverty and lack of alternative livelihoods, to achieve sustainable fisheries management and development.