The National Resistance Movement party presidential Candidate Yoweri Museveni has issued firm directives aimed at restoring order in the fisheries sector and resolving persistent land conflicts in Buliisa District.
Addressing a rally on Thursday, Museveni appointed Maj. Gen. Daniel Kakono, Commander of the Field Artillery Division, to lead a comprehensive effort to revitalize the Lake Albert fisheries and ensure sustainable management of its resources.
Museveni instructed Gen. Kakono to return all motorcycles, boats, and engines previously confiscated by the army to their rightful owners by Friday.
He added that substandard fishing nets should not be redistributed, and warned that any missing property must be accounted for by the personnel who seized it.
The President stressed the importance of sustainable resource management, noting that the collapse of 22 fish factories years ago was a direct result of overfishing and poor practices.
To support fish stock recovery, he directed the implementation of a planned fishing holiday and emphasized that the management of the lake should be entrusted to its indigenous communities.
Museveni also addressed escalating land disputes involving Balaalo pastoralists accused of encroaching on farmland owned by Alur and Bagungu communities. He ordered their removal and tasked security leaders with ensuring swift enforcement to protect the land rights of local residents.
Highlighting NRM’s achievements, Museveni cited improvements in infrastructure, electricity access, education, and overall peace, saying these gains have supported development in Buliisa. He reiterated that peace remains the cornerstone of progress, stating that without stability, economic growth cannot occur.
Given Buliisa’s rapid population growth, Museveni proposed the creation of an additional constituency to improve representation.
He further announced plans for a dedicated fisheries support fund and encouraged residents to embrace wealth creation through commercial agriculture and industrialisation, noting these sectors offer greater job opportunities than government employment.
Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja assured residents that government is committed to addressing their concerns, particularly on fisheries regulation and land protection.
Tourism Minister Maj. (Rtd) Tom Butiime pledged completion of the park boundary fence to safeguard communities and their crops.
