Imagine a Uganda where wetlands thrive, rural families prosper, and irrigation flourishes. President Museveni believes he has found the key: a massive nationwide fish farming program. But is it the silver bullet it seems to be? Let's dive into the details and explore the potential benefits, challenges, and even some controversies surrounding this ambitious initiative.
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, during a recent campaign rally in Serere District, unveiled his plan to transform Uganda's landscape and economy through fish farming. He envisions a program that not only restores vital wetlands but also significantly boosts irrigation capabilities and elevates household incomes across the nation. The core idea is to create a symbiotic relationship: fish farming along wetland edges helps regenerate the wetlands, which in turn provide crucial water for irrigation. It's a bold proposition, aiming to harmonize environmental conservation with rural wealth creation. But here's where it gets controversial... can large-scale fish farming truly coexist harmoniously with delicate wetland ecosystems?
Museveni illustrated his vision with a compelling video showcasing his own model fish farm in Lango, claiming an impressive UGX 140 million in annual profits. He confidently stated, "This is the answer for the fishing people. If you listen to my advice, we’re going to have so much money from fish farming.” This success story is intended to inspire and demonstrate the potential financial rewards. However, critics might argue that a presidential model farm benefits from resources and attention unavailable to the average Ugandan farmer. Is this model truly replicable on a nationwide scale?
Further sweetening the deal for fishermen, Museveni announced the creation of a special fund specifically for them, separate from the existing UGX 100 million Parish Development Model (PDM) allocation per parish. Recognizing that fishermen's needs are more extensive, this fund will provide access to essential resources such as good boats, high-quality fishing nets, and reliable engines. “We are adding a fund for fishermen because their needs are bigger than the Shs 100 million under the PDM. They need good boats, fishing nets, and engines. We shall have a special fund for them,” he emphasized. The PDM, designed to alleviate poverty at the local level, may not fully address the unique challenges faced by fishing communities, hence the need for a tailored approach. And this is the part most people miss... Is this special fund truly going to reach the intended beneficiaries, or will bureaucratic hurdles and potential corruption hinder its effectiveness?
Beyond the fish farming initiative, Museveni reminded the residents of Serere of the NRM's role in establishing peace and stability, particularly in regions that had previously suffered from insurgencies. He stated, “Lakwena disturbed this very area of Serere alongside other rebels, and your being here is testimony that we defeated them. This is the first time Uganda has had peace for such a long time. In the past, there was trouble everywhere. NRM has a strong system; when we get problems, we deal with them.” He attributed the ongoing development in the Teso sub-region, including improved roads, electricity access, and educational facilities, to the peace dividend. It's a classic strategy of linking progress with the current administration.
He then highlighted significant infrastructure projects completed or in progress in the Teso sub-region, including the Tirinyi–Pallisa–Kumi (111km), Kumi–Mukongoro–Pallisa (111km), and Arapai–Katakwi (44km) roads. Furthermore, procurement is underway for the Kumi–Ngora–Serere–Kagwara (102km) road, and the Serere–Soroti road is slated to follow. He also outlined plans to rehabilitate the old railway through Soroti and construct a new line from Tororo to Kampala, aiming to streamline the transportation of goods and boost trade. These improvements aim to enhance connectivity and facilitate economic growth in the region.
On the electrification front, Museveni expressed satisfaction that nearly all sub-counties in Serere now have access to electricity. Water access has also significantly improved, reaching 85% of the district, with 235 out of 277 villages now connected to safe water sources. Ongoing water and irrigation projects include the Ongor Small Scale Irrigation Project in Atira, the Opapa Irrigation Scheme in Kateta, and the Owiiny Valley Dam in Bugondo, completed in 2024 at a cost of UGX 4.3 billion. These efforts aim to provide reliable access to water for both domestic and agricultural purposes.
Addressing education, Museveni reiterated his commitment to free education and condemned the practice of charging fees in government schools. He urged all Ugandans to support his free education program, recalling its introduction under the NRM in 1996. Serere boasts 98 government primary schools with over 115,000 pupils and 12 government secondary schools enrolling 9,406 students. In the realm of healthcare, 12 out of 15 sub-counties have functioning health facilities, with new Health Centre IIIs under construction in Kidetok Town Council, Kadungulu, and Ocaapa, and upgrades ongoing at Omagoro HCII in Kyere.
Museveni emphasized the crucial distinction between development and wealth, urging citizens to actively participate in the money economy. He cited Joseph Ijala, a successful farmer from Serere, as an example. Ijala’s four-acre enterprise produces 814 litres of milk daily and earns UGX 6 million per day from eggs, employing 38 workers, including university graduates. The President used this example to illustrate that wealth creation is a personal endeavor, separate from government-led development initiatives. Is it fair to compare such a successful, albeit exceptional, farmer to the average citizen of Uganda, and what systemic changes, beyond personal effort, are needed to replicate this success more broadly?
Finally, Museveni addressed the long-awaited cattle compensation for the Teso, Lango, and Acholi sub-regions, which suffered significant livestock losses during past insurgencies and raids. He stated that the government is committed to resolving the issue once and for all. Government records indicate that 11,056 claimants in Teso have already received UGX 55.9 billion, including UGX 6.18 billion disbursed to 923 beneficiaries in Serere. The rally also featured speeches from senior NRM leaders, including Rt. Hon. Anita Among, who reaffirmed the government’s commitment to investing in infrastructure and health.
So, what do you think? Is Museveni's fish farming initiative a game-changer for Uganda, or are there potential pitfalls and challenges that need to be addressed? Will it truly balance environmental conservation with economic prosperity? And importantly, will the promised funds and resources reach the intended beneficiaries, empowering local communities and transforming their livelihoods? Share your thoughts and concerns in the comments below!
