President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has directed the Chief Administrative Officers that all communication and resources sent to districts, including programmes such as Parish Development Model funds, must be shared with Members of Parliament and LCV Chairpersons for transparency and coordination.
President Museveni made the directive yesterday while engaging the NRM Members of Parliament on the 6th day of the retreat ongoing at the National Leadership Institute Kyankwanzi
He also informed the leaders that Government will soon roll out a nationwide fish farming programme, especially in wetlands, because fish farming requires machinery and deliberate state support beyond the Ugx 1 million under Parish Development Model.
Over the past few years, authorities have intensified efforts to evict individuals who had illegally settled or carried out farming activities in protected wetlands and while the evictions sparked mixed reactions particularly from affected communities the government maintains that restoring these ecosystems is critical for climate resilience, water regulation and disaster prevention.
Museveni explained that the next phase will involve putting the reclaimed wetlands to productive use without compromising their ecological role.
Although the President did not confirm the exact start date of the programme, he emphasized that fish farming cannot be sustained at a subsistence level, stressing the need for deliberate planning and state-backed infrastructure.
“We must use these wetlands correctly. Fish farming needs machines, knowledge, and coordination. This is not something you do with small money like the Shs 1 million under PDM,” President Museveni emphasised.
The initiative is expected to be implemented in collaboration with district authorities, fisheries experts, and local leaders and government officials say local communities will be incorporated through cooperatives, training, and access to shared infrastructure to ensure that the transition from illegal encroachment to regulated economic activity is inclusive and beneficial.
The planned rollout comes at a time when Uganda is seeking to expand its aquaculture sector, which has been identified as a key driver of economic growth and export potential coupled with rising demand for fish both locally and internationally, authorities believe that strategic investment in fish farming could significantly increase production.
The President also revealed plans to establish a military barracks in Bulambuli near Kween, describing it as a long-standing proposal aimed at strengthening security and extending government presence in the region.
He also stressed the need for productive utilization of all government land, including planting seedlings to support agricultural growth and sustainability.
As implementation of the wetlands fish farming programme begins, its success will largely depend on balancing economic utilization with environmental protection ensuring that wetlands are preserved even as they contribute to Uganda’s development agenda.
