The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries has halted the implementation of the resolution regarding the imposition of a Minimum Export Price (MEP) on Nile Perch fish fillet, headless, and gutted fish.

The development was confirmed in a press statement released on November 10, 2023, by the ministry, which said the decision was made considering feedback provided by all stakeholders in a meeting held in September 2023.

“The Ministry has therefore decided to halt the implementation of the resolution regarding the imposition of a minimum export price (MEP) on fish fillet, “the statement read in part.

It permitted fish exporters, in the meantime, to let the prices be determined by the market under the principle of a willing buyer and seller.

“All stakeholders are free to export fish and fish products at prices that are determined by both the market and the principle of a willing buyer or willing seller.

Charlotte B. Kemigyisha, the public relations manager at the ministry, said they are committed to constructive dialogue with all relevant parties to find a profitable, balanced, and sustainable way to exploit the fish resources.

She said that the Ministry will work closely with fish processors and industry associations to explore measures that will safeguard the industry’s interests and promote a government export-oriented strategy.

This follows a consultative meeting held between the ministry, fish exporters, and processor associations, as well as independent processors, on September 26, 2023.

Among the issues discussed was the decline in fish export quantities and values. The fish processors and exporters suggested in a resolution that the minimum export selling price of USD 6 per kg of fillet exported be set and enforced with effect from October 1, 2023.

Uganda has completely liberalized its economy as the Ministry acknowledges the importance of the fish processing industry to the nation’s economy.