The contributions of fishing industry in Uganda

Positive contribution of fishing

• Fish forms a vital source of food for people. It is a source of animal proteins.
• Fish and fish wastes are used as raw materials for some industries e.g. fish canning industries.·
• It provides employment opportunities for the people during fishing in processing industries, trade etc.
• The fishing industry provides revenue for the government e.g. through taxes paid by fishermen, traders and fishing companies.
• It provides foreign exchange earnings through the export of fish and fish products.
• It encourages the development of tourist industry e.g. sport fishing.
• It leads to economic diversification therefore reducing overdependence on one/ other sectors.
• It promotes trade which promotes good international relationships.
• It has led to development of ports and urban centres e.g. Port Bell
• It leads to the development of transport facilities as roads, railway lines etc.
• Encourages the development of social services as health centres, schools, piped water etc.
• Encourages research and education on fish species, breeding habits, oceanography, etc. This ensures sustainability.
• It leads to the improvement in the level of technology/mechanization of fishing e.g. echo-sounders.
• Fishing has led to acquisition of skills of operating machines, packing, making animal feeds etc.
• It is a source of medicine e.g. cod liver oil/omega
• It promotes agricultural development through provision of fertilizers of animal feeds.

Negative contributions of fishing

• Pollution of the atmosphere, land, water etc. by the fish processing industries.
• It has led to the development of ports and towns like Luzira with their related problems.
• It leads to conflicts between fishing nations which share fishing grounds.
• Fishing may lead to accidents on water e.g. due to bad weather; ship wrecks leading to loss of lives.
• It encourages water piracy/robbery leading to loss of property and life.
• It has encouraged profit repatriations leading to loss of government revenue.
• It has encouraged children neglecting school.
• Depletion of forests to provide firewood for smoking fish and provision of for Boat and ship building.
• Unemployment resulting from mechanization of fishing operations.
• Over fishing which lead to depletion of water resources.