The changing context of national security

Abstract

Fisheries resources are essential elements of food security, especially in developing countries where they also double as significant socio-economic resources. However, the fish stocks have been declining globally as a result of the ever-increasing demand for fisheries products due to the rising population, changing climate affecting fisheries’ breeding, and increasing destruction of fish breeding places. The fishing competition has not only led to the declining fish stocks but also resulted in new forms of intra-border and cross-border fishing conflicts. These conflicts for fish resources have created new security threats to nations and necessitated state interventions in various forms. The study, therefore, sought to examine the impact of the UPDF involvement in the protection of Uganda’s fisheries resources. The study used an exploratory research design because of the scarcity of literature about the topic and it was based on secondary data sources from journals, reports, newspapers, and other texts. The study established that the government of Uganda had in place laws, regulations and policies aimed at the proper management of fish resources. However, despite their existence, fish resources were continuously being degraded which triggered the intervention of the UPDF to handle especially factors regarding law enforcement. This led to a significant contribution towards the restoration of fish stocks and the general improvement of the fish sector and security in Uganda. There is a need for the government to review the existing fisheries protection laws, enlarge, train and equip the UPDF Marine unit to ensure wider coverage of the national waters if they are to wipe out IUU completely.