By Aggrey Baba
President YK Museveni has asked Ugandans to take full control of managing the country’s lakes and fish resources instead of depending on foreigners, saying that the people who live near the lakes and have been fishing for generations know best how to protect fish and use the lakes properly.
This message was shared during a recent meeting with leaders from fishing communities across the country. These included representatives from Pallisa, Kalangala, Luwero, Mayuge, and several islands.
The President used the meeting to call for more trust in local knowledge and traditional ways of fishing, saying that Uganda has for too long looked to foreigners to guide the fishing sector, yet the local people already understand when fish breed, how to manage fishing seasons, and how to stop bad practices like illegal fishing.
He believes that if properly organized, Ugandans can run the fishing sector better than outsiders.
During the same meeting, the President also promised to create special training centres for the youth in fishing areas, centres which will help young people gain new skills and learn better ways to manage and protect the lakes while earning a living from them.
He also said that Uganda would work with neighbouring countries to make sure the rules on fishing are the same across East Africa, to help stop illegal fishermen who cross borders and confuse local laws.
Museveni also gave examples of successful fishing projects run by local Ugandans, such as Limoto in Pallisa and Kawumu in Luwero, generating over 80 million shillings every year, showing that local communities can benefit directly from fishing if they are supported well.
While international support is still welcome, Museveni said it should not replace local efforts.
The President wants local leaders, soldiers, and government agencies to help protect the lakes from illegal fishing and ensure the money earned from fishing stays in Ugandan hands. He said communities should form SACCOs (savings and credit groups) to help them buy boats, protect breeding areas, and avoid borrowing from money lenders.
Museveni also warned against those who buy and sell imported fish in Uganda. He said it makes no sense for Uganda to have large lakes full of fish but still depend on fish from other countries.
The government now plans to give more power to local fishermen to manage the lakes, while also setting up stronger enforcement teams to fight illegal fishing without harming the environment. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
