A basket fishing permit in Uganda authorizes individuals to use baskets for fishing in designated water bodies such as Lake Edward, Lake George, and the Kazinga Channel. The permit is issued by the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries (MAAIF) through the Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries Resources.
Fishing without a valid permit in these waters constitutes an offence under the Fisheries Ordinance Act. The Chief Fisheries Officer regulates this activity and sets the conditions under which the permit is granted, ensuring compliance with national fishing laws and conservation of aquatic biodiversity.
Step-by-Step Procedure
Step 1: Obtain the Application Form
Visit the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) offices or your local Fisheries Department to collect the official basket fishing permit application form.
Step 2: Fill in the Application Form
Provide accurate details including:
- Full name, age, sex, and nationality
- Name of the Beach Management Unit (BMU)
- Purpose of fishing activity
- Type and number of fishing baskets or appliances
- Type of fish species targeted
- Type and length of the boat used
- BMU recommendation letter
- Copy of identification document and recent passport photograph
Step 3: Pay the Required Fees
Make payment for the prescribed fees at the designated bank or payment point:
- Application Fee: UGX 10,000
- Basket Fishing Licence Fee: UGX 20,000
Keep the payment receipt as proof of transaction.
Step 4: Submit the Application
Submit the duly filled application form together with all supporting documents and the payment receipt to the Fisheries Officer in charge of your area.
Step 5: Permit Processing and Issuance
The Fisheries Department verifies compliance with fishing laws and confirms that the applicant meets all requirements.
If approved, the Basket Fishing Permit is issued within one working day from the date of submission.
Required Documents
To complete your application, attach the following:
- Copy of Investment Licence (if applicable)
- Curriculum Vitae of technical staff involved in fishing operations
- Environmental Impact Assessment Certificate
- HACCP Manual (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points)
- GMP Manual (Good Manufacturing Practices)
- BMU recommendation letter
- Copy of identification and passport photo
Office Locations & Contacts
Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries Resources – Head Office
Directorate of Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries
Plot 16–18 Lugard Avenue, Entebbe, Uganda
P.O. Box 102, Entebbe, Uganda
Tel: 041 4320004
Email: [email protected]
Website: MAAIF Uganda
Eligibility
Applicants must:
- Be Ugandan citizens actively engaged in fishing activities.
- Operate within designated areas approved by the Chief Fisheries Officer.
- Comply with environmental and safety standards set by MAAIF.
Fees
- Application Fee: UGX 10,000
- Basket Fishing Licence Fee: UGX 20,000
Validity
The basket fishing permit is valid only for the specific activity and fishing area for which it is issued. Renewal is required before expiry or upon change of fishing scope.
Processing Time
The entire process takes a maximum of one day, provided all documents are correctly submitted and fees are paid.
Need for the Document
The basket fishing permit ensures:
- Legal authorization to fish in Ugandan waters.
- Environmental protection through controlled fishing practices.
- Monitoring and compliance by fisheries officers to prevent overfishing.
- Promotion of sustainable fishing, protecting livelihoods of local communities.
Important Instructions
- Fishing with another person’s permit or license is illegal and punishable by a fine of up to UGX 1,000 upon conviction.
- Fishermen must always carry their valid permit while fishing.
- Permits are non-transferable and specific to the license holder.
Information Which Might Help
- The Chief Fisheries Officer regulates the number of permits issued per water body.
- Basket fishing is only permitted in designated areas to protect biodiversity.
- The permit aligns with Uganda’s Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy, which emphasizes sustainable fish exploitation.
