Fish exporters task parliament to ban consumption of Nile perch in Uganda and reserve it for European market

Fish Processors and Exporters under their umbrella Uganda Fish Processors and Exporters Association have proposed to parliament a ban on the local and regional sale and consumption of Nile Perch, ‘Empuuta’.

While appearing before parliament on Friday, Sujal Goswami, the chairperson of the association tabled the proposal to the Agriculture Committee of Parliament where he said that Nile Perch earns Uganda huge amounts of money in exports and so it should be preserved for the European Market only.

Goswami said Ugandans should be limited to tilapia, ‘Engege’ adding that the move will boost the fish exporting business in the country.

With Tilapia and Nile perch being the commonest types of fish in Uganda, Bbaale County MP Charles Tebandeke opposed the proposal to ban local consumption of the Nile Perch saying citizens should only be restricted on the fishing methods.

Janet Grace Okori-Moe, the Agriculture Committee Chairperson said that they will review the proposals by the fish exporters and make better laws for the country.