To obtain a Fish Vessel Building Licence in Uganda, applicants must submit a written application to the Chief Fisheries Officer under the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF). The process ensures that all individuals or companies constructing fishing vessels meet the technical, financial, and environmental standards required by the government.
Applicants are required to fill in the prescribed application form and pay a non-refundable fee of UGX 10,000. The completed form must be submitted to the Directorate of Fisheries along with all necessary attachments. The Chief Fisheries Officer may stipulate specific conditions for vessel construction and may conduct a feasibility study to assess the applicant’s technical and financial capacity, as well as market suitability for vessel building.
To be considered, the application must include the applicant’s legal and financial details, a technical description of the intended fish vessel construction, and an explanation of how the business aligns with national fisheries programs. Applicants must also outline their expected start date, environmental impact assessment results, and mitigation plans. Clearance from relevant ministries—particularly the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives and MAAIF—is mandatory.
Once the documentation is complete, applicants should submit the final form to both the Directorate of Fisheries and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives. After review, and upon meeting all conditions, the Chief Fisheries Officer issues the Fish Vessel Building Licence, valid for one year. The licence can be renewed annually upon payment of the renewal fee.
Required Documents:
- Proof of age (18 years and above)
- BMU registration certificate
- Legal and financial documents
- Technical and economic description of the fish vessel building business
- Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
- Clearance from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives (for non-nationals)
- Clearance from MAAIF (for nationals)
- Certificate of incorporation or business registration
- Clearance from Uganda Registration Services Bureau
Eligibility:
Applicants must actively engage or plan to engage in the fish vessel building business and meet all ministry requirements.
Fees:
- Application Fee: UGX 10,000
- Licence Fee: UGX 50,000
- Renewal Fee: UGX 50,000
Validity:
The Fish Vessel Building Licence is valid for one year from the date of issue.
Processing Time:
Processing takes a maximum of 2 working days, provided all documents are in order.
Required Information:
- Full name and nationality of the applicant
- Beach Management Unit (BMU) hosting the vessel
- Purpose of the application
- Type and length of vessel
- Assets and liabilities at the beach
- BMU recommendation and shareholder information
Contact Information:
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
Tel: 041 4320004
Email: [email protected]
Need for the Document:
The Fish Vessel Building Licence regulates the construction of fishing vessels in Uganda, ensuring safety, environmental sustainability, and compliance with national fisheries policies. It promotes responsible manufacturing, protects aquatic ecosystems, and ensures that only qualified builders engage in the sector.
