Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have reaffirmed their commitment to the sustainable management of shared fisheries resources in Lakes Edward and Albert. During the third Council of Ministers (CoM) meeting held today, both nations approved the workplan and budget for the Bilateral Fisheries and Aquaculture Organisation (BFA) for the fiscal year 2024-2025.
This meeting marks another significant milestone in the ongoing collaboration between the two countries, building on the foundation laid during the 7th Joint Permanent Commission (JPC) session in 2018, where the Bilateral Fisheries Agreement was signed. This agreement established a framework for the joint management of fisheries resources and aquaculture in the shared water bodies and their basins.
The first CoM, held in Kampala on 28th January 2022, focused on operationalizing the articles of the Bilateral Fisheries and Aquaculture Organisation. The second meeting, conducted virtually on 22nd February 2023, reviewed progress and addressed the need for further strengthening the framework to ensure effective cooperation.
Today’s meeting in Kinshasa saw ministers from both countries reviewing the progress made thus far and expressing satisfaction with the deepening cooperation fostered by the BFA between Uganda and the DRC. They also discussed challenges facing the framework and pledged to address them promptly.
The ministers resolved to continue providing guidance to the BFA, with the ultimate goal of enhancing cooperation and achieving sustainable management of the fisheries resources that are vital to the livelihoods of communities around Lakes Edward and Albert.
Hon. Hellen Adoa, Uganda’s State Minister for Fisheries and outgoing Chairman of the Lake Edward, Lake Albert, Fisheries, and Aquaculture Organisation (LEAFAO), highlighted the key achievements and challenges faced by the organization during her tenure. Among these achievements, Minister Adoa noted the successful organization of three LEAFAO Council of Ministers’ meetings and the establishment of the LEAFAO Secretariat office in Kajjansi, Entebbe, Uganda. However, she also pointed out challenges such as limited funding, difficulties in enforcing fisheries regulations, and conflicts between fishing operators in the two countries.
Looking ahead, Minister Adoa emphasized the need for LEAFAO to strengthen regional cooperation, enhance capacity building for fisheries management, promote sustainable fishing practices, and address environmental concerns. She recommended that LEAFAO develop a resource mobilization strategy to increase funding, strengthen enforcement mechanisms for fisheries regulations, and foster dialogue between fishing communities in Uganda and the DRC.
This renewed commitment to collaboration underscores the importance of regional partnerships in addressing shared environmental and economic challenges. Both Uganda and the DRC are dedicated to ensuring that the fisheries resources in these lakes are managed sustainably for the benefit of current and future generations.
