Buliisa, Uganda: The ruling NRM Presidential Candidate, H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, has directed immediate action to address longstanding challenges in Buliisa’s fisheries sector and escalating land conflicts involving pastoralists, issuing firm orders during a campaign rally in the district on Thursday.
In one of the directives, Mr Museveni appointed Maj. Gen. Daniel Kakono, Commander of the Field Artillery Division, to lead renewed efforts to reorganize the fisheries sector and ensure sustainable management of the lake’s resources.
The President further ordered that all motorcycles, boats and engines previously confiscated by security forces be returned to owners by tomorrow.
“If the motorcycles, boats and engines are not there, you should go for the soldiers who were responsible for confiscating them,” Museveni ordered Maj. Gen. Kakono. However, he clarified that substandard fishing nets should not be returned.
The President emphasized corrective measures aimed at rebuilding the fishing industry, noting that overfishing and poor resource management had previously led to the collapse of 22 fish processing factories.
Mr Museveni reiterated his directive on instituting a “fishing holiday” to allow depleted stocks to regenerate and called for the sector’s management to be entrusted to indigenous communities.
He also addressed intensifying land conflicts involving the Balaalo pastoralists, whom he accused of encroaching on land belonging to Alur and Bagungu communities. “I will tell Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba to make sure that you chase those Balaalo,” he added, describing their presence as a nuisance to local farmers.
His statement was met with strong applause from residents who have been grappling with repeated land disputes.
On political representation, Museveni said Buliisa deserved an additional constituency due to its growing population. “It is in order for Buliisa to get another constituency because I immunized you, and now there are more people in the district,” he told supporters.
Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, who was present at the rally, assured residents that government would act on their concerns. “We shall give you all the votes because of the good things you have done for this country,” she said, affirming Museveni’s commitment to resolving issues affecting fishing communities.
Museveni further highlighted job creation as a priority, noting that wealth generation through agriculture and industrialization remains central to expanding employment opportunities. He pledged a dedicated fund for the fisheries sector to boost productivity and support local livelihoods.
Maj. (Rtd) Tom Butiime, Minister for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, said the government would complete the fence around the national park to protect lives and property.
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