Fish Traders Reported Barriers to Regional Trade
Traders across East Africa have raised concerns over high licensing fees and unfair practices impacting cross-border trade.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in International Trade
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Fish traders from Uganda, Kenya, and South Sudan have highlighted significant hurdles, including exorbitant licensing costs and exploitation, hindering the movement of fish products. The complaints emerged during a stakeholder meeting focused on addressing non-tariff barriers that complicate market access in the region.
Why it matters
Persistent trade barriers and regulatory inconsistencies limit the economic potential of regional fish markets. These issues force traders to navigate complex, costly systems that disrupt supply chains and threaten the livelihoods of those dependent on the sector.
Traders report that South Sudan exports roughly 50 truckloads of fish monthly, while some individuals claim they were asked to pay Shs10 million to secure a necessary trade license.
The players
Kilimo Trust
This organization coordinated the stakeholder meeting to address the systemic barriers currently affecting fish trade.
Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries
The Ugandan government agency responsible for issuing trade licenses to registered groups and companies.
The details
Traders allege that a combination of high fees, harassment at landing sites, and the confiscation of consignments due to origin disputes is stifling their operations. Many also report being pressured into using specific transport providers, further increasing their costs and reducing their autonomy.
Timeline
A stakeholder meeting took place in Jinja, Uganda, in September 2026.
Macro View
These reports of non-tariff barriers contradict the fundamental trade liberalization goals established by the East African Community (EAC) Customs Union Protocol. While regional integration aims to facilitate smoother exchange, the current friction highlights a divergence between high-level policy and the reality faced by local traders.
The inability of traders to operate freely can lead to increased costs for consumers at the end of the supply chain in markets like the Democratic Republic of Congo. Furthermore, the push for formal registration means that small-scale traders must navigate complex bureaucratic processes to remain legally compliant.
The takeaway
Small-scale traders can mitigate some of these challenges by organizing into registered groups, which simplifies the licensing process required by government authorities. Addressing these institutional barriers remains essential for ensuring fair competition and sustainable growth within the regional fishing sector.
Further reading
Learn more about the challenges facing cross-border commerce on our International Trade page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Nilepost News.
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