President Yoweri Museveni has announced a large-scale, nationwide fish farming initiative designed to harness the economic potential of Uganda’s wetlands and elevate household wealth.
The President made the revelation on the sixth day of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) parliamentary retreat at the National Leadership Institute (NALI) in Kyankwanzi. Addressing newly elected Members of Parliament, Museveni emphasized that traditional funding alone is insufficient for high-impact wetland utilization.
The Fish Farming Initiative: Beyond PDM
Museveni noted that while the Parish Development Model (PDM) provides a foundation, the Shs1 million allocation per household is inadequate for specialized aquaculture which requires machinery and organized state support.
“I intend to launch a big, countrywide project for fish farming. These wetlands we have cannot be effectively utilized using the Parish Development Model funds alone… it requires machinery and organized state support,” the President stated.
He cautioned that while implementation may be phased due to other national priorities—including preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON)—the project remains a strategic priority for long-term economic planning.
Key Presidential Directives & National Security
During his address, the President issued several critical directives aimed at transparency and regional stability:
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District Funding Transparency: Museveni ordered Chief Administrative Officers (CAOs) to ensure that all funds sent to districts are formally communicated to MPs and LC5 chairpersons to prevent “ghost” projects.
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Seedling Production: All government land is to be utilized for seedling production to support agricultural commercialization and environmental restoration.
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Bulambuli Military Barracks: Plans are finalized to establish a military barracks in Bulambuli District, bordering Kween, to bolster regional security.
Uganda’s Foreign Policy and Economic Diplomacy
Ambassador Adonia Ayebare, Uganda’s Permanent Representative to the UN, reminded legislators that while Parliament plays a role, the Executive takes the lead in foreign policy. He highlighted Uganda’s leadership in the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and urged MPs to focus on diplomacy that attracts:
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Technology and skills transfer.
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Value addition and foreign investment.
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Strategic partnerships within the EAC, AU, and COMESA.
The State of Agriculture: Tapping into 4-Acre Model
Agriculture Minister Frank Tumwebaze presented a sobering look at Uganda’s current output, noting that only 35% to 38% of arable land is fully utilized.
Agricultural Performance Gaps:
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Fertilizer Use: Remains critically low at 2.5kg per hectare.
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Value Addition: Significant revenue is still lost by exporting raw materials like coffee and milk.
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The 4-Acre Model: Smallholder farmers are encouraged to integrate poultry, piggery, fish farming, and dairy to maximize returns on limited land.
National Stability as a Foundation
Security Minister Maj. Gen. Jim Muhwezi closed by emphasizing that none of these economic transformations are possible without peace. He defined national security as a multi-dimensional effort to protect territorial integrity while ensuring the welfare and dignity of all Ugandans.
