Museveni Hands Over Lake Management to Indigenous Fishermen

State Lodge, Jinja | —President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has officially directed that the management of Uganda’s lakes be handed over to indigenous fishermen, who will now lead efforts to sustainably harness the country’s aquatic resources.

The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF)’s Fisheries Protection Unit (FPU) will remain in a supportive role, mainly focusing on border waters and illegal fishing crackdowns.

Speaking during a consultative meeting with fishing communities and key stakeholders at State Lodge, Jinja, President Museveni said the new approach recognizes the ancestral role of indigenous communities in safeguarding and utilizing Uganda’s lakes.

“This part of Africa is our ancestral home. The heritage of the area is based on emyooga — skill-based economic specializations. We must empower those with omwooga (skills) in fishing to lead the transformation of this sector,” he said.

The meeting drew participants from across Uganda’s major fishing zones, including indigenous fisher families, boat owners’ associations, community leaders, fisheries officers, and the Bakenye leadership.

Army’s Role Redefined

While acknowledging the army’s important role in restoring order to Uganda’s fishing industry, Museveni emphasized that the UPDF’s involvement was never intended to be permanent. The goal, he said, is to develop a self-regulating and economically empowered fishing sector.

“Now that we have peace, let’s organize this sector and eventually return the army to the barracks,” Museveni declared.

He recounted how chaos, illegal gear, and foreign intrusions previously necessitated UPDF intervention, but with growing organization, indigenous communities can now take charge.

UGX 1 Billion SACCO Fund

To support the transition, President Museveni proposed the creation of a special fisheries fund, separate from the Parish Development Model (PDM). Each fishing SACCO, organized by proximity and purpose, will receive up to UGX 1 billion to help finance proper gear, processing facilities, and domestic fish farming.

“Fishing requires more capital than what PDM offers. That’s why I propose a dedicated fisheries fund,” the President noted.

Shift to Aquaculture

In line with efforts to reduce pressure on natural lakes, Museveni encouraged communities to embrace aquaculture, citing fishpond success stories in Limoto and Kawumu — areas earning over UGX 80 million annually from pond fish farming.

“We misuse the wetlands and underutilize the drylands. That’s why we must organize domestic fish farming and conserve natural lakes,” he said.

Videos of successful aquaculture projects were shown during the meeting, with Museveni pledging government support in excavating fish ponds for interested communities.

Environmental Protections Strengthened

The President warned against encroachment on fish breeding grounds (byondo), calling for the gazetting of critical zones along lake shores and swamps.

“These are like our national parks in the water. People should not build or fish near them. They must be preserved,” he said.

He also ordered a crackdown on the importation of illegal fishing nets and materials, noting a report from the Internal Security Organisation (ISO) that exposed ongoing black-market operations.

“Even the threads used to make illegal gear will be banned. We must stop this menace,” Museveni said.

New Police Unit for Water Safety

To enhance security and emergency response on water bodies, the President announced plans to direct Uganda Police to establish a specialized water safety unit.

“We can discuss it in Cabinet, but I think the police may be the best place to anchor this,” he said.

Island Infrastructure, Skills Training

President Museveni also tasked the Third Deputy Prime Minister, Hon. Rukia Nakadama, with ensuring the construction of public toilets, clean water access, health centers, and boarding schools on remote islands like Kalangala, Koome, and Buvuma.

“We need to plan for these places that are far apart. Let’s have boarding schools on islands and ensure every parish has a government primary school,” he added.

He also proposed the establishment of skills development centers for youth in fishing communities, to offer training in aquaculture and other trades to reduce reliance on lake fishing and expand income sources.

Regional Cooperation and Modern Surveillance

In response to concerns over cross-border incursions on Lakes Albert and Victoria, Museveni revealed that Uganda has deployed surface radar on Lake Albert and plans similar systems for Lake Victoria to monitor intrusions and protect fishing communities like those in Kasensero.

“We already have eyes on Lake Albert. We’ll do the same on Lake Victoria. No more ambushes on our people,” he said.

Local Voices Welcome Shift

Mr. Kato David, chairperson of the Bakenye (indigenous fishermen), welcomed the directive, saying communities with generational knowledge of the lakes are best placed to manage them.

Mr. Sunday Gerald Kayita, NRM chairperson for Kalangala, appealed for harmonization of fishing laws across East Africa to ensure consistency and cooperation.

Rooted in the NRM Vision

Museveni said the reforms align with the NRM’s 10-point program, especially point five — building an integrated and self-sustaining national economy.

“They wanted some people to be rich and others to be poor. I resisted that. We must modernize our people,” he said.

The meeting was attended by senior government officials including Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga, Hon. Rukia Nakadama, Hon. Hellen Adoa, Hon. Babirye Milly Babalanda, Dr. Kenneth Omona, and Hon. Diana Mutasingwa.