Buliisa – The National Resistance Movement (NRM) Presidential Candidate, Yoweri Museveni, has directed that immediate action be taken to address the challenges facing the fisheries sector and land conflicts with pastoralists in Buliisa.
Speaking at a rally in the district on Thursday, Museveni appointed Maj. Gen. Daniel Kakono, the Commander of the Field Artillery Division, to spearhead efforts aimed at revitalizing the fisheries sector and managing the lake’s resources sustainably.
The President directed Maj. Gen. Kakono ensure that all boda bodas, boats and engines confiscated by the army in Buliisa be returned to the owners by tomorrow.
On fishing nets, Museveni said if they were not up to the standard they should not be given back to the fishermen.“If the motorcycles, boats and engines are not there, you should go for the soldiers were responsible for confiscating them,” Mr Museveni directed Maj. Gen. Kakono.
In his address, Museveni emphasized the need for sustainable resource management, the protection of local communities’ land rights, and the importance of maintaining peace and development in the region. He reflected on the significant progress made in Buliisa under the NRM government, citing developments in infrastructure, education, and electricity.
He also stressed that peace is the foundation for all development, stating, “Without peace, nothing can be accomplished.”
Turning to the issue of fisheries, Museveni acknowledged the challenges caused by overfishing and mismanagement of the lake’s resources. He shared the history of the fish industry, explaining that while the initial boom in fish exports led to the establishment of 22 factories, poor fishing practices ultimately led to the depletion of fish stocks. “The fish disappeared, and the 22 factories collapsed,” he said.
Despite these setbacks, he expressed confidence in the potential for sustainable fish farming and directed the implementation of a “fishing holiday” to allow for the regeneration of fish stocks. He also called for the management of the fisheries sector to be entrusted to the indigenous people of the lake.
Museveni also addressed the growing issue of land conflicts with the Balaalo, pastoralists who have been accused of encroaching on land owned by indigenous farming communities.
He directed that the pastoralists be removed, calling them a “nuisance” that had disturbed the local Alur and Bagungu communities.
“I will tell Lt. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba to make sure that you chase those Balaalo,” Museveni said, reinforcing the need for immediate action to protect the land rights of local farmers.
His comments received strong support from the crowd, many of whom have been directly affected by land disputes.In response to growing population pressures in Buliisa, Museveni suggested that the district should be given an additional constituency to reflect its increasing numbers. “It is in order for Buliisa to get another constituency because I immunized you, and now there are more people in the district,” he said, emphasizing the importance of ensuring fair political representation.
Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, who was also present at the rally, assured the people of Buliisa that their concerns would be addressed. “We shall give you all the votes because of the good things you have done for this country,” Nabbanja said, highlighting the government’s commitment to resolving the issues raised by Museveni. “I know your problems that you have been having at the lake, and President Museveni will sort them.”
Further, Museveni highlighted the need for job creation, noting that while government employment is limited, wealth and jobs can be generated through agriculture and industrialization.
“Jobs come from wealth—through extensive farming and factories,” he said. He pledged the establishment of a separate fund for the fisheries sector, which will help revitalize the industry and create jobs for local residents.”We will finish the fence around the park to protect people’s lives and crops,” assured Maj. (Rtd) Tom Butiime, the Minister for Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities, who joined the president at the rally.
