President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has outlined plans to decentralize the management of fishing communities, proposing the removal of the Fisheries Protection Unit (FPU) from water bodies and entrusting the stewardship to local elders.
Addressing residents at Amatiburu Primary School in Kangai Sub County, Dokolo district on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, President Museveni, who doubles as the National Chairman of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), emphasized the need for community involvement in safeguarding lakes. He urged the populace living near lakes to collaborate with elders in identifying individuals compromising the ecosystem, thereby facilitating the withdrawal of military presence.
The FPU, operating under the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), was established in 2017 to combat illegal fishing and enhance regulation within the fisheries sector. However, concerns regarding alleged extortion by soldiers targeting fishermen prompted the President to call for stringent measures against such misconduct.
In response to complaints raised by Hon. Felix Okot Ogong, Member of Parliament for Dokolo South, regarding the detrimental impact of military intervention on fishing communities, President Museveni assured the public of his commitment to rectify the situation. He acknowledged the necessity of military involvement in salvaging the fishing industry from collapse due to rampant immature fishing practices but underscored the imperative of a systematic handover process to local authorities.
While acknowledging the resurgence of the fishing industry following military intervention, President Museveni cautioned against complacency, highlighting the threat posed by foreign exploitation of Uganda’s aquatic resources. He stressed the pivotal role of fishing in the national economy, citing the decline in fish processing factories and revenue generation as repercussions of unchecked exploitation.
In reaffirming his pledge to empower local elders in lake management, President Museveni emphasized the importance of community-driven initiatives in preserving Uganda’s natural resources. He pledged to facilitate a transition process aimed at empowering local communities to assume responsibility for safeguarding lakes and fostering sustainable fishing practices.
Ultimately, President Museveni reiterated his unwavering commitment to upholding Uganda’s sovereignty and fostering socio-economic development through collaborative efforts between the government and local stakeholders.