President Yoweri Museveni, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag bearer, has ordered swift action to resolve long-standing problems in Buliisa’s fisheries sector and ongoing land disputes involving pastoralists.
Addressing supporters in Buliisa on Thursday, Museveni named Maj. Gen. Daniel Kakono, Commander of the Field Artillery Division, to lead efforts to restore order on the lake and promote sustainable management of its resources.
He instructed Maj. Gen. Kakono to return all motorcycles, boats, and boat engines previously seized by security forces no later than tomorrow. However, he insisted that substandard fishing nets should not be returned.
“If the motorcycles, boats, and engines cannot be accounted for, go after the soldiers who took them,” Museveni charged.
The President underscored the need for responsible resource use, protection of community land rights, and continued peace as the basis for development. He highlighted improvements in infrastructure, education, and electricity that Buliisa has seen under his government, adding, “Without peace, nothing moves.”
Museveni acknowledged that irresponsible fishing practices had decimated fish stocks over the years. He recalled that Uganda once hosted 22 fish factories that collapsed when overfishing wiped out supplies. He directed officials to enforce a “fishing holiday” to allow fish to replenish and urged that the management of the fisheries sector be placed in the hands of native lake communities.
The President also addressed intensifying land tensions between residents and the Balaalo pastoralists, who are accused of illegally occupying land belonging to the Alur and Bagungu.
Describing the herders as a disruptive presence, Museveni ordered their eviction.
“I will ask Lt. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba to ensure the Balaalo are chased away,” he said to applause from affected residents.
Citing population growth in the district, Museveni proposed granting Buliisa an additional constituency to ensure proper political representation.
“It is justified because I immunized you, and now your numbers have increased,” he remarked.
Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja assured residents that the government would address the issues raised, praising the President’s contributions to national development.
“I know the challenges you’ve been facing on the lake, and President Museveni will sort them,” she said.
Museveni also emphasized the urgent need for job creation, saying that employment largely comes from wealth generated through agriculture and industrialization, not government jobs. He promised a dedicated fund to revive the fisheries sector and open up new economic opportunities.
Tourism Minister Maj. (Rtd) Tom Butiime added that government would complete construction of the park fence to safeguard local communities and their crops.
