President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has unveiled plans for a significant push towards boosting Uganda’s agricultural sector with a comprehensive, nationwide fish farming initiative. The initiative, announced during the NRM Parliamentary retreat at the National Leadership Institute (NALI), aims to harness the economic potential of the nation’s wetlands and uplift household incomes.
“I intend to launch a big, countrywide project for fish farming,” President Museveni declared, emphasizing that current funding mechanisms like the Parish Development Model are insufficient for the large-scale, machinery-intensive support required. He indicated that the project, which necessitates government leadership and long-term planning, may extend beyond the current financial year due to competing national priorities, including preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations.
In a move to bolster national security and infrastructure, the President also revealed plans for a new military barracks in Bulambuli District, a project that has been under consideration for an extended period. Furthermore, he directed that government land across the country be strategically utilized for seedling production, supporting both agricultural advancement and environmental restoration efforts.
President Museveni also issued a critical directive aimed at improving transparency and accountability within district administrations. Henceforth, all government programs and funds, including those from the Parish Development Model, must be communicated to Members of Parliament and LC5 chairpersons before reaching the districts. “No funds whether for government programmes or the Parish Development Model should go to districts without the knowledge of political leaders,” he stated, underscoring the need for greater coordination between executive and political leadership at the local level.
The President’s remarks followed discussions prompted by presentations from key government officials. Uganda’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Adonia Ayebare, urged MPs to align their foreign engagements with the nation’s foreign policy, highlighting the Executive’s leading role in this complex domain. He underscored Uganda’s growing diplomatic influence, including its leadership of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), and encouraged parliamentary support for strategic diplomacy focused on technology, skills, value addition, and investment.
Delving into agricultural commercialization, the Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Frank Tumwebaze, presented a sobering assessment, noting that Uganda currently utilizes only 35-38% of its arable land for full agricultural production, with fertilizer use remaining critically low. He advocated for a transition to modern, intensive farming practices, particularly for smallholder farmers, integrating enterprises such as poultry, piggery, fish farming, and dairy.
The Minister stressed the importance of linking smallholder and large-scale farmers and called for increased investment in agricultural research, irrigation, and energy to boost productivity, which lags significantly behind global benchmarks. Hon. Tumwebaze also pointed out the missed revenue opportunities due to the export of raw agricultural materials, emphasizing that value addition, particularly for products like coffee and milk, would substantially increase earnings.
Reinforcing the foundation for these development initiatives, the Minister of Security, Hon. Maj. Gen. Jim Muhwezi, reiterated the paramount importance of national stability. “National security is multi-dimensional,” he stated, encompassing territorial integrity, national interests, and citizen welfare. He concluded that a secure environment is indispensable for economic growth and the successful implementation of government programs.
