Legislation, policies and Human rights

We work towards having informed fisheries communities on fisheries related policies, regulations and human rights. 

Our activities to foster this include: 

• We sensitize communities on existing policies and regulations in the sector and the benefits of being compliant.
• Promote human rights and fishing rights of the fisher folk through awareness campaigns
• Collaborate with government and fisheries co-management bodies in provision of information relevant to fisher communities.
• Train trainers and community counsellors in respective communities on compliance
• Conduct legal clinics(services) in partnership with law and human rights CBOs
• Partner with research institutions for awareness on non-compliance implications
• Carry out stake holders dialogue on current issues in the sector

Integration of ICT into the fisheries sector

With our vibrant R&D mechanisms we launched the innovative ABAVUBI fisher App to motivate digital solutions within the sector. 

The App includes modules that; 

• Provide a digital marketplace of fish and fisheries products. Fish consumers access fish products at the comfort of where they are 24/7 throughout the year. 
• The App is a mobile personal accountant for fishers. Fish dealers and traders are able to conduct proper record keeping on the app without having to worry on the burdens of papers. 
• Safety on the lake is for the first time assured on Uganda marines. The app provides an uptime navigation facility connected with GPS facilities that enable fishers communicate to the call center for help in case of any anomaly
• Locating of breeding sites: The App enables the fishers to preserve the already gazette – free areas on the lakes. The fisher locates where the real fish is to help fishers stay informed about catches and markets.

Climate Change Action to Protect the Eco-system

Enhanced participation of fishers and lake users in protection of the eco-system within the fisheries industry is very vital in protecting fish in the lakes. The Federation; 

• Engages in awareness campaigns on proper waste and garbage disposal
• Promotes re-forestation in depleted districts around the lakes. 
• Mobilises resources for climate change action and protection of the eco-system
• Encourages community participation and industrial intervention in regarding the water hyacinth especially on lake boundaries. 
• Ensures improved sanitation and hygiene of communities around the lakes through various “WASH” programs like orientation  to eco-friendly toilets. 
• Encourages use of re-usable and or cost effective sources of energy for production and preservation 
• Tree planting among others. 

Capacity building for women and youth within the fisheries business chains

Throughout the fisheries business in Uganda, women and youth had been marginalized, Our efforts;

• Enhance capacity of women and youth to participate in leadership of associations
• Train in leadership, business and other skills as well as financial literacy
• Source for low interest loans to train folks to start or boost their own businesses.
• Encourage and train women and youth in aquaculture fish farming as diversity from c

Scale up comprehensive HIV/AIDS services targeting fisher folk and high risk groups

Fishing landing sites are hubs of dense local and regional sexual networks which can accelerate the spread of HIV into the wider population. HIV was first reported in Kasensero, a landing site in a fishing village From data reported in the NSP 2015/1516-–2019/20, high HIV prevalence rates were reported among KP/PP.

Fisherfolk HIV prevalence was; 22-29%, SW (35-37), Truck drivers (25%), Uniformed services personnel (18.2), MSM (13.7) and badaboda/Tax men (8.7)  Kalangala district Leads with  HIV prevalence of 15-18, Buvuma district HIV prevalence is 6.3

The gravity of HIV problem in Fisherfolk is consequential from nature and dynamics of the fish trade and fishing lifestyle i.e.  Multiple sexual partners, Un protected sex, Inconsistent use of condoms, Recurrent STI, Abuse of alcohol and drugs, Violence, Harassment, Mobile /Migratory, Stigma and discrimination, Limited access to care and treatment, Lack of circumcision in  male partners and Low health-seeking behavior.

Fishing communities have remained amongst the most vulnerable and at risk groups code named priority populations in the fight against HIV/AIDS

• The project tends to contribute significantly to achieve the overall Goal of the NSP  “Towards Zero new infections, Zero HIV and AIDS-related mortality and morbidity and Zero discrimination”. The project will primarily target Fisherfolk and other high HIV risk groups among; SW, IDU, Truck Drivers, Uniformed services boda boda cyclists in the great lakes regions of Uganda . 
• The project aims at scaling comprehensive HIV and AIDS services among Fisherfolk and other HIV high risky populations through effective integration of core thematic areas of HIV implementation i.e. Prevention. Care and treatment, Social support and System strengthening  as aligned to the NSP, NPS and Revised FFOU Strategic plan (2021-2025)

Sustainable Development of Fish Farming(aquaculture) and Aquaponics

A number of people have issues in sustaining cages and fish in cages. The Federation aims at increased fish production and sustainable development of aquaculture and aquaponics among fish farming communities, and the membership at large through the following;

• Provide fish farming training to fisheries interested groups
• Promotes co-operatives among aquaculture fish farmers
• Sensitize catch fisher folks to diversify towards aquaculture and aquaponics by way of introducing fish cages.
• Promote aquaculture activities
• Provision of technical support for establishment of fish ponds and cages