Museveni Unveils Ambitious Fish Farming Initiative to Boost Uganda’s Economy and Food Security
Serere District, Uganda – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) presidential flag bearer, announced a sweeping nationwide fish farming program on Monday, November 3rd, 2025, during a campaign rally in Serere District. The initiative aims to revitalize Uganda’s wetlands, secure vital irrigation resources, and empower rural communities through sustainable economic opportunities.
The President detailed a plan to strategically develop fish farms along wetland edges, recognizing their crucial role in water conservation. “We’re going to develop a massive fish farming program along the edges of the wetlands because we want the wetlands to regain water so that we get water for irrigation. We shall earn more, but also use the water for irrigation,” Museveni stated, emphasizing the dual benefits of increased income and enhanced agricultural productivity.
To illustrate the potential of this program, President Museveni showcased a video presentation of his successful model fish project in the Lango region, which reportedly generates an annual profit of Shs140 million. “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,” he asserted, projecting a future of prosperity for Ugandan fishing communities.
Recognizing the unique needs of fishermen, the President announced the creation of a dedicated financial fund, separate from the existing Shs100 million allocated to parishes under the Parish Development Model (PDM). “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 explained, demonstrating a commitment to providing targeted support.
A Legacy of Peace and Progress in Uganda
President Museveni took the opportunity to remind the people of Serere of the NRM’s pivotal role in restoring peace and stability across Uganda, particularly in regions previously ravaged by conflict. He referenced the disturbances caused by groups like Lakwena, highlighting the significance of the current peace. “Lakwena disturbed this very area of Serere alongside other rebels, and your being here is testimony that we defeated them,” he said.
“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,” Museveni added, attributing the ongoing development momentum in the Teso region directly to the dividends of sustained peace. But is lasting peace enough to guarantee economic prosperity for all Ugandans?
The rally also served as a platform to showcase the extensive infrastructure development undertaken in the Teso region over the past decade. President Museveni highlighted the expansion of tarmac roads connecting Soroti to Lango and Karamoja, and Pallisa to Kumi, deliberately bypassing Mbale. He announced imminent funding for the Kumi–Ngora–Serere–Kagwara road, and plans to expedite the Serere to Soroti route due to its shorter distance. “Once we get the money, the rest is easy,” he confidently stated.
Beyond roads, the President outlined ambitious plans to rehabilitate the existing railway line through Soroti and construct a new line from Tororo to Kampala, aiming to streamline trade and facilitate the efficient movement of goods. A comprehensive list of completed and ongoing road projects was presented, including:
- Tirinyi–Pallisa–Kumi (111km)
- Kumi–Mukongoro–Pallisa (111km)
- Arapai–Katakwi (44km)
- Katakwi–Irrir (40km)
- Kumi–Ladot (26km)
- Soroti City Roads (7.2km)
- Kumi Town Roads (12.2km)
- Katakwi Town Roads (10km)
- Soroti–Dokolo–Lira–Kamdini (189km) (under rehabilitation)
- Tororo–Mbale–Soroti (150km) (under rehabilitation)
- Kumi–Ngora–Brooks Corner–Serere–Kagwara (102km) (under procurement)
- Katine–Ochero (69.9km) (under procurement)
- Soroti–Amuria–Abim (76.7km) (design underway)
- Soroti–Serere–Pingire–Mugarama (64km) (design underway)
- Soroti (Arapai)–Amuria–Acan Pii (88km) (design underway)
President Museveni also reported significant progress in extending electricity access, noting that all but two sub-counties in the district now have power. Access to clean water has also improved, with 85% of villages (235 out of 277) now having access to safe water sources. Piped water projects are operational in Serere Town Council, Ocapa Town, Kyere Town, and Kasilo, with further projects planned for Agule Parish and several other locations.
Irrigation infrastructure, including the Ongor Small Scale Irrigation Project, the Opapa Irrigation Scheme, and the Owiiny Valley Dam (completed in December 2024 at a cost of Shs 4.3 billion), are further bolstering agricultural capacity.
Investing in Uganda’s Future: Education and Healthcare
The President expressed satisfaction with the state of education in Serere District, noting the presence of 98 government and 119 private primary schools, alongside 12 government and 41 private secondary schools. He reaffirmed his commitment to free education, first introduced in 1996, and vowed to strengthen it in his next term. “In the coming government, I want all Ugandans to support my free education program,” he urged.
Regarding healthcare, President Museveni highlighted improvements in access to facilities, with two Health Centre IVs and ten Health Centre IIIs currently operational. New HCIIIs are under construction in Kidetok Town Council, Kadungulu, and Ocaapa, while the Omagoro HCII in Kyere is being upgraded.
President Museveni cautioned against conflating development with personal wealth, emphasizing that “Development is government work, but wealth is personal.” He cited Joseph Ijala, a local farmer who has achieved remarkable success through poultry farming, now earning UGX 800,000 per day from milk and Shs 6 million daily from eggs, employing 38 people, including degree holders. “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,” he stated.
Addressing the long-standing issue of cattle compensation for communities in Teso, Lango, and Acholi, affected by past conflicts and cattle rustling, President Museveni pledged to resolve the matter definitively. He acknowledged past setbacks due to legal challenges and assured supporters that a new approach is being implemented in collaboration with local leaders.
The rally was attended by prominent NRM leaders, including Rt. Hon. Anita Among, who reiterated the government’s commitment to infrastructure and health investments in Serere. Mr. Echodu Calvin, the NRM Vice Chairperson for Eastern Region, welcomed the President and advocated for a review of fishing policies to better support local communities.
Serere District, with a population of 358,123 (2024 census), comprises 15 sub-counties, 70 parishes, and 284 villages. In the 2021 Presidential Elections, the district saw a 60.6% voter turnout (79,152 out of 130,290 registered voters), with President Museveni securing 51.2% of the vote. For the 2026 elections, the district now boasts 162,646 registered voters and 374 polling stations.
What role will youth engagement play in the success of this new fish farming initiative? And how can the government ensure equitable access to the new financial fund for fishermen across all regions of Uganda?
Frequently Asked Questions About Uganda’s New Fish Farming Program
- What is the primary goal of President Museveni’s new fish farming program? The program aims to boost Uganda’s economy, enhance food security, restore wetlands, and create wealth for rural households.
- How will the new fund for fishermen differ from the Parish Development Model (PDM)? The fund is specifically designed to address the larger financial needs of fishermen, such as boats, nets, and engines, exceeding the Shs100 million allocated under the PDM.
- What infrastructure projects are currently underway in the Teso region? Numerous road projects are in progress, including the Kumi–Ngora–Serere–Kagwara road, rehabilitation of the Soroti–Dokolo–Lira–Kamdini road, and plans for a new railway line from Tororo to Kampala.
- What is the current state of electricity access in Serere District? Almost all sub-counties in Serere District now have access to electricity, with only two remaining unconnected.
- How is the government addressing the issue of cattle compensation in Teso, Lango, and Acholi? The government is implementing a new approach to cattle compensation, collaborating with local leaders to ensure a fair and effective resolution.
- What is the success story of Joseph Ijala demonstrating? Joseph Ijala’s success demonstrates that wealth creation is possible even without extensive infrastructure, emphasizing the importance of individual initiative and entrepreneurship.
Disclaimer: This article provides information for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and does not constitute professional advice. Readers are encouraged to consult with qualified experts for specific guidance.
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