Museveni unveils plans for nationwide fish farming drive

KYANKWANZI - President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has outlined a plan to roll out a nationwide fish farming project, positioning it as a key intervention to unlock the economic potential of Uganda’s wetlands and boost household incomes.

Speaking on the sixth day of the National Resistance Movement parliamentary retreat at the National Leadership Institute in Kyankwanzi on April 12, 2026, the President signalled a shift towards more structured, state-led investment in aquaculture.

“I intend to launch a big, countrywide project for fish farming,” President Museveni said.

He indicated that existing funding mechanisms, such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), may not be sufficient to support such an undertaking.

“These wetlands we have cannot be effectively utilised using the Parish Development Model funds alone. The sh1 million is not enough, it requires machinery and organised state support.”

The President noted that while private investors may take on some initiatives independently, the scale of the proposed project would require direct government leadership and long-term planning.

Norbert Mao

He added that implementation could extend beyond the current financial year, partly due to competing priorities, including preparations for the 2027 African Cup of Nations.

Alongside the fish farming plan, Museveni also raised security and infrastructure considerations, revealing that a long-discussed military installation in eastern Uganda is still under review.

“Bulambuli borders Kween, and we have been planning for that barracks for quite some time,” he said.

Tightening district oversight

The President further turned his attention to governance at the district level, announcing a directive aimed at improving transparency and coordination between technical and political leaders.

“I am going to order Chief Administrative Officers that anything sent to districts must be communicated to Members of Parliament and LC5 chairpersons,” he said.

“No funds whether for government programmes or the Parish Development Model should go to districts without the knowledge of political leaders.”

The directive followed concerns raised by legislators during the retreat, particularly around coordination and information flow between the central government and local leadership.

Foreign policy caution

During the same session, Uganda’s permanent representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Adonia Ayebare, urged Members of Parliament to align their engagements with the country’s foreign policy framework.

“When interacting in the foreign policy space, Members of Parliament should bear in mind that the Executive takes the lead,” he said, pointing to the need for coordination in a complex and sensitive domain.

Ayebare highlighted Uganda’s expanding diplomatic footprint, including its leadership role within the Non-Aligned Movement, where the President has been advocating for peace amid global tensions in regions such as the Middle East and Europe.

He also referenced Uganda’s continued participation in regional and international organisations, including the African Union, East African Community, and COMESA, calling for parliamentary support in advancing priorities such as technology, skills development, value addition, and investment promotion.

On the economic front, agriculture minister Frank Tumwebaze presented a case for accelerating agricultural transformation, noting that the country remains below its production potential.

“We have only utilised between 35% and 38% of our land for full agricultural production, and fertiliser use remains very low at about 2.5 kilogrammes per hectare,” he said.

He called for a shift towards modern and intensive farming practices, particularly under the four-acre model, which integrates enterprises such as poultry, piggery, fish farming, and dairy. Tumwebaze emphasised the need for stronger linkages between smallholder and large-scale farmers.

“There must be a clear linkage between smallholder and large-scale farmers. Each has a role to play in transforming agriculture,” he added.

The minister also pointed to gaps in value addition, noting that while exports such as coffee and milk are growing, the country continues to lose potential revenue.

“Our coffee exports are growing, but we are still largely exporting raw materials. Value addition would significantly increase earnings,” he said.

He further highlighted the global demand for commodities such as milk and fish, suggesting that Uganda is well placed to expand production and access international markets.

Security focus

Meanwhile, security minister Maj. Gen. (rtd) Jim Muhwezi underscored the importance of maintaining stability as a foundation for development.

“National security is multi-dimensional. It involves protecting territorial integrity, safeguarding national interests, and ensuring the welfare and dignity of citizens,” he said.

He added that a stable security environment remains critical for economic growth and the successful implementation of government programmes.