Marine police and economic security in Uganda, a case of Wakiso district

Abstract

The study examined the influence of marine police on economic security in Uganda. A case of Wakiso District. It was guided by three objectives which are i) to examine the influence of marine patrol surveillance on sustainability of maritime resources in Wakiso District, ii) to assess how emergency response to maritime incidents contributes to safety of maritime trade routes in Wakiso District and iii) to assess how enforcement operations influence efficiency of marine commerce and trade in Wakiso District. The study adopted a cross-sectional design to collect data at a single point in time. The study used the survey method and interview method of data collection. A population of 70 individuals was used from which a sample size of 59 respondents was determined using Yamane formula of sample size determination. The study also used purposive and simple random sampling techniques to select respondents. The results showed while 50.9% believed patrols helped reduce overfishing, nearly half (47.4%) disagreed, indicating that patrols have had limited success in this area. A significant portion (64.9%) felt that patrol officers lacked sufficient training to enforce sustainable fishing practices effectively. It was also noted that most respondents feel that response times are slow, with only 19.3% agreeing that they are sufficient, and communication systems are perceived as unreliable, with 52.4% disagreeing that they are effective. It was also revealed that a large portion of respondents (56.1%) felt that enforcement patrols are not effective in reducing illegal activities, with only 29.8% of respondents supporting the idea. A significant number (70.1%) also believed that enforcement operations contribute to delays in cargo processing. The study concluded that while patrols are recognized for their potential to monitor illegal activities like illegal fishing, the inconsistent perception of their success suggests a gap between intent and impact. It was also concluded that when emergency responses are delayed or inefficient, the broader economic implications can be severe, potentially leading to disruptions in supply chains, loss of cargo, and increased operational costs. Delays in cargo processing and poor coordination between marine enforcement and customs authorities can significantly undermine the efficiency of trade, leading to longer transit times and increased costs for businesses From these conclusions, the study recommended that The Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries and the Uganda Police should prioritize the continuous training of marine patrol officers to equip them with the skills necessary to enforce sustainable fishing practices. It was also recommended that the Ministry of Works & Transport should collaborate with technology companies to upgrade communication systems used by emergency responders. The Ministry of Science and Technology should invest in expanding the coverage and capabilities of surveillance systems in key maritime zones.