Museveni Launches National Fish Farming Initiative During Serere Campaign Stop
Serere, Uganda – President Yoweri Museveni today announced a nationwide drive too boost fish farming, unveiling the plan during a campaign rally in Serere District. The initiative aims to integrate more Ugandans into the money economy and foster wealth creation at the individual level, a concept the President distinguished from government-led advancement.
“development is government work, but wealth is personal,” Museveni stated, emphasizing his management’s focus on empowering citizens economically. He cited local farmer Joseph Ijala as a model for success, highlighting Ijala’s conversion from poultry farming to a large-scale dairy operation. Ijala now collects 814 litres of milk daily, generating UGX 800,000 per day, and earns Shs 6 million daily from egg sales. He employs 38 people, including four university graduates.
“You don’t have a tarmac road here, but Ijala is already rich. In Kampala,there’s everything,but many people are poor. Work for wealth, and development will find you,” Museveni urged.
The President also addressed the long-standing issue of cattle compensation for communities in Teso,Lango,and Acholi,regions previously impacted by conflict and cattle rustling. He announced a renewed commitment to resolving the matter definitively, following previous attempts hampered by legal challenges that resulted in Shs 139 billion being spent with limited results.
“We have now resolved to handle it once and for all,” Museveni promised, adding that implementation will proceed in collaboration with local leaders. Government records indicate that 11,056 claimants in Teso have already received Shs 55.9 billion in compensation, with 923 beneficiaries in serere receiving Shs 6.18 billion.
The rally also featured commitments to infrastructure improvements. Rt. Hon. Anita Among, Second National Vice Chairperson, confirmed funding for the Kumi-Ngora-Brooks Corner-Serere road and the inclusion of Serere District Hospital in the National Development Plan IV.
Mr. Echodu Calvin, NRM Vice Chairperson for Eastern Region, requested a review of fishing policies to better support local communities.
Serere District, with a 2024 population of 358,123, saw President Museveni secure 38,555 votes (51.2%) in the 2021 Presidential Elections. The district now boasts 162,646 registered voters and 374 polling stations for the upcoming 2026 elections, an increase from 130,290 voters and 240 polling stations in 2021. Patrick Amuriat (FDC) received 26,722 votes (35.5%) and Robert Kyagulanyi (NUP) secured 6,013 (8%) in 2021.
