Gov’t to invest in fish farming – Museveni
AMOLATAR, October 2, 2025 – In a move aimed at promoting fish farming, the government is seeking funds to establish fish ponds in fishing communities across Uganda.
Fishing communities in the subregions of Lango, Teso, Busoga, and Bukedi are some of those expected to be the primary beneficiaries of this planned investment.
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni who is the National Resistance Movement [NRM] candidate in the 2026 presidential election made the announcement yesterday during his first campaign rally in the Lango Sub-region, held at Amolatar Secondary School in Apalepee Cell, Apalepee Ward, Amolatar Town Council.
Museveni’s political campaign rally event was attended by clan leaders from the Lango Cultural Institution [LCI], National Resistance Movement [NRM] Second National Vice Chairperson Moses Kigongo, Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among, NRM Vice Chairperson for Northern Uganda Hamson Obua, members of the NRM Central Executive Committee [CEC], and several Members of Parliament [MPs].
Museveni acknowledged the challenges individuals face in setting up fish ponds due to the high costs involved, stating that the government would take responsibility for construction.
“I’m raising funds to support large-scale fish farming in Lango, Teso, Busoga, and Bukedi. It’s too expensive for individuals to dig fish ponds, so the government will handle it,” he said.
He further explained that fish ponds offer a higher economic return compared to growing rice in wetlands, warning communities against the continued misuse of wetland ecosystems.
“Fish ponds generate more income than rice, especially in terms of food supply and economic returns. In Pallisa, I supported the community by constructing fish ponds near wetlands, and they now earn more than 70 million shillings. But when I came here, I saw people growing rice in swamps, this misuse must stop,” he added.
Regarding the sustainability of local fishing practices, the President said consultations would be carried out to find ways of allowing small-scale fishing for food consumption while preparing for the broader government-led fish farming project.
“We need fish in the lakes, but I’ve heard people ask whether we can allow some local fishing for food. I want to explore how that can be done as we wait for the large-scale fish farming initiative,” he noted.
To ensure the project’s success, Museveni said he plans to meet MPs from key fishing regions to discuss challenges affecting local fishermen and propose workable solutions.
“When I get time, I’ll meet with MPs from areas like Lango, Teso, Busoga, Nakasongola, and around Lake Edward, so that we avoid making uninformed decisions,” he said.
During the event, Kamilo Olwit, the NRM Chairperson for Amolatar district, thanked the President for his continued financial support to fishing communities. He urged the government to supplement this effort by setting up a fish processing factory in Amolatar.
“We appreciate the Shs 1 billion given to the youth in fishing communities, but we kindly request that you also consider establishing a fish factory here in Amolatar,” Olwit said.
https://thecooperator.news/museveni-urges-bunyoro-farmers-to-embrace-fish-farming/
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