MAAIF-CROP, LIVESTOCK AND FISH VALUE CHAINS

UCSATP mid-term review highlights progress in Buyende

The Uganda Climate Smart Agriculture Transformation Project (UCSATP), together with the World Bank and the Monitoring & Evaluation team, conducted a mid-term review in Buyende District to assess implementation progress.

The district has verified over 202 farmer groups across crop, coffee, cocoa, dairy, capture fisheries, and beneficial insect value chains, while also benefiting from project assets, including a double-cabin vehicle.

Challenges highlighted included poor network connectivity, high dairy input costs, and staffing gaps. Project officials commended community sensitisation efforts, urged effective utilisation of project assets, and encouraged farmers to fulfil their financial commitments for timely service delivery.

Beneficiary groups reported increased support and funding but cited market access constraints, pests, drought, insecurity, and fisheries management challenges that continue to affect livelihoods.

Mbarara rallies behind FMD vaccination drive

The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), through the Minister of State for Animal Industry, Hon. Lt. Col. (Rtd) Bright Rwamirama, has intensified mobilisation efforts to boost the uptake of the ongoing Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccination campaign in Mbarara City.

The Minister commended farmers who have already vaccinated their cattle, goats, sheep, and pigs, describing their actions as a demonstration of responsibility and commitment to safeguarding Uganda's livestock sector.

"I want to thank the farmers in Mbarara City who have already vaccinated their animals. You have shown cooperation, responsibility, and love for your animals and for Uganda's livestock industry," Hon. Rwamirama said.

As a key hub in Uganda's cattle corridor and a centre for the milk and meat trade, Mbarara City plays a critical role in achieving the national target of 100% vaccination coverage of all eligible livestock during each biannual vaccination round.

The Minister urged all livestock keepers yet to vaccinate to embrace the programme, noting that:
-Vaccination protects farmers' incomes by preventing disease outbreaks that often result in quarantines, market closures, and disruption of milk processing activities.
-Vaccinated animals attract better market value and support access to regional and international export markets.

Addressing concerns raised by local leaders, including understaffing and sensitisation gaps, Hon. Rwamirama assured stakeholders that MAAIF has strengthened field operations by providing motorcycles and cold-chain equipment to veterinary and extension teams to reach farmers more effectively.

He further cautioned against partial vaccination, emphasizing that vaccination certificates will only be issued after the entire herd has been vaccinated.

"You cannot vaccinate 10 out of 50 cattle and expect a certificate. One unvaccinated animal can reintroduce FMD to your herd and the entire community," he stressed.

The engagement was attended by leaders led by Senior Presidential Advisor on Agriculture Hon. Rose Kabaganye, the RCC, City Mayor, political and administrative leaders, veterinary teams, extension workers, and farmers, who pledged to support the mass vaccination campaign across the city.

MAAIF commends all compliant livestock farmers and calls upon every livestock owner to vaccinate fully and protect Uganda's livestock industry from FMD.
@FrankTumwebazek @PS_MAAIF @StateHouseUg @Parliament_Ug @housingfinanceU @pearlbank_ug

Illegal fishing gear worth UGX 400 million destroyed in major enforcement crackdown.

The Government, through the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), has intensified efforts to protect Uganda’s fisheries resources, destroying illegal fishing gear worth approximately Shs 400 million at Kasenyi Landing Site in Katabi Town Council, Wakiso District.

Led by the State Minister for Fisheries, Hon. Robert Migadde Ndugwa, in collaboration with the 155 Marine Battalion, the operation saw the destruction of confiscated monofilament fishing nets and other illegal fishing gear before thousands of fishers and community members.

Hon. Migadde issued a stern warning to users, importers, suppliers, and distributors of illegal fishing gear, urging them to immediately cease the practice and embrace sustainable fishing methods.

“Government has conducted extensive sensitisation campaigns across fishing communities, yet some individuals continue to ignore the regulations. We encourage all fishers to use our water bodies sustainably to safeguard the future of the sector,” he said.

The Minister further called on fishing communities to report individuals engaged in illegal fishing activities and cautioned that continued non-compliance could prompt stricter government measures, including restrictions on the importation of fishing gear.

Meanwhile, Maj. Joseph Ssebukera, Commander of the 155 Marine Battalion, urged fishing communities to support the enforcement of fisheries regulations, emphasizing that sustainable fisheries management is essential for preserving livelihoods and protecting Uganda’s aquatic resources.

The exercise was witnessed by senior officials from MAAIF’s Fisheries Department and judicial representatives, including Grade One Magistrate Lillian Mazimwe, who represented the Chief Magistrate.
@FrankTumwebazek @KagutaMuseveni @StateHouseUg @Parliament_Ug @pwatchug @nilepostnews

Silver fish (mukene) fishing resumes under tough new licensing measures

Following the lifting of the ban on silver fish (mukene) fishing, the Minister of State for Fisheries, Hon. Robert Migadde Ndugwa, has today unveiled new guidelines governing the application, approval and issuance of fishing vessel licences and permits for silver fish (mukene) and ragoogi/muziri fisheries.

Speaking at the Uganda Media Centre, the Minister outlined a set of measures aimed at promoting sustainable fisheries management, strengthening compliance with fishing regulations, and safeguarding fish breeding grounds.

The guidelines set out the conditions for licensing, vessel requirements, fishing operations, and the responsibilities of fishers and boat owners seeking permits.

Here are some of the guidelines issued by the Minister;

1. Each district will have to submit to MAAIF a list of landing sites where the landing of mukene (silver fish), ragoogi/muziri will take place.

2. Only fishers/boat owners who meet the following conditions will be permitted for silver fish/mukene fishing;

-Possession of silver fish fishing licence for years 2026, 2025, 2024 or 2023.

-Fishing vessels/boats with minimum total length of 24 feet.

-Maximum of one chota chota net (scoop net) mounted on a wooden ring of maximum diameter of 5 feet, with a handle.

-Scoop net mesh size of not less/smaller than 8mm. NB Lampara nets or other panelled appliances will not be permitted.

-Not more than two baria/boat crew on each fishing vessel.

-Fishing to be restricted to 14 days from when the dark phase of the moon starts for each month.

-Fishing to be done away from water bays, fish breeding areas and other zones less than 2km from the shoreline.

-Each boat to land with its catch and fishing gear on board.

Role of the intending boat owner/fisher (applicant);

1. Express interest for acquisition of a fishing vessel license or fishing permits for the barias.

2. Render his/her fishing equipment available for inspection and verification for compliance with fishing regulations.

3. Provide the following documentary evidence to the authorities;

-National Identification Card to prove citizenship of Uganda.

-Copies of previous licences issued to him/her.

-Evidence of fishing vessel/boat ownership.

-Provide contact phone number registered in his/her names.

-Arrange money for payment of the applicable fees equivalent to the number of licences or permits to be issued, so that if the application approved, the applicant can pay promptly.
@KagutaMuseveni @FrankTumwebazek @PS_MAAIF @StateHouseUg @Parliament_Ug @pwatchug

MAAIF marks leadership transition as two senior officers retire

Today, MAAIF witnessed the official handover of office by two senior officers as they retire after years of dedicated service.

Commissioner for Animal Production and Health, Dr Anna Rose Ademun, handed over to Dr James Kakungulu, while Fisheries Training Institute Principal, Mr Ofwono Willy Osinde, handed over to Mrs Olivia Nyamaganda.

Dr Ademun retires after more than 30 years of distinguished service to Uganda's agricultural sector. Both retiring officers have attained the mandatory retirement age of 60 years.

We thank them for their invaluable contribution to the Ministry and wish the incoming leaders success as they steer their respective institutions forward.