To apply for a Fish Veterinary Outlet Licence in Uganda, applicants must submit a written request to the Chief Fisheries Officer at the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF). The application must be in the prescribed form and include the operator’s personal details, business description, and proposed location. Applicants are also required to outline the methods they will use in operating the veterinary outlet and provide a detailed description of the area of operation. Each application must be accompanied by a prescribed fee as determined by the Chief Fisheries Officer.
Before approval, the Chief Fisheries Officer may require the applicant to demonstrate that the outlet is properly constructed, equipped, and suitable for aquaculture operations. Additional information about the equipment, fish species handled, feeds, drugs, and other chemicals may also be requested. Applicants must provide the name and location of their establishment, the type of fish chemical to be sold, and other relevant production inputs.
Once the Chief Fisheries Officer is satisfied with the inspection and documentation, a Fish Veterinary Outlet Licence will be issued, subject to conditions that ensure compliance with national fisheries regulations. The licence is valid for one year and expires on December 31. Renewal applications should be made at least one month before expiration. Operators involved in selling or importing fish drugs or chemicals must certify their products with the Department responsible for Fisheries Resources and Aquaculture.
Each outlet must display its registration number prominently, showing the state of registration. Failure to do so is a legal offence and may result in fines or imprisonment of up to three months.
Required Documents:
- Valid fishing licence
- Details of the fish veterinary outlet
- Authorization to establish a veterinary outlet
- Equipment details
Eligibility:
Both Ugandan residents and foreign nationals with veterinary or fisheries backgrounds are eligible to apply.
Fees:
The fee for obtaining the licence varies depending on the regulations prescribed by the Chief Fisheries Officer.
Validity:
The Fish Veterinary Outlet Licence remains valid for one year and must be renewed annually before December 31.
Processing Time:
- Registration after inspection: 5 working days
- Licence issuance: 28 working days
Contact Information:
Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries Resources – Head Office
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]
The Fish Veterinary Outlet Licence is essential for regulating aquaculture activities, ensuring that operators meet safety standards and comply with the Fisheries Statutory Instrument No. 81 of 2003. Operating without a valid licence may lead to prosecution or other penalties under Ugandan law.
External Link: The Fish (Aquaculture) Rules, 2003 PDF
