Museveni seeks collaborative solutions for fisheries management in Pakwach
President Museveni emphasised the need for dialogue with cultural and religious leaders to establish a fair approach to managing fishing operations on Lake Albert and the River Nile.
President Yoweri Museveni in a group photo with locals during his rally in the West Nile region at St Mary’s Omach Primary School in Pakwach town council, Pakwach district. ( Photos by Edna Piyic)
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During his first rally in the West Nile region at St Mary’s Omach Primary School in Pakwach town council, Pakwach district, President Yoweri Museveni addressed critical concerns about fisheries management on the River Nile and Lake Albert, promising to find a balanced solution.
The operations of the Fisheries Protection Unit (FPU) have been a major issue for the predominantly fishing-dependent community in Pakwach.
With fish prices soaring to shillings 20,000 per kilogramme, many residents have shifted to smaller fish species like bisinance nurse or turned to agriculture and other economic activities due to restrictive fishing regulations.
Speaking at the rally, President Museveni emphasised the need for dialogue with cultural and religious leaders to establish a fair approach to managing fishing operations on Lake Albert and the River Nile.
Ronald Ozinda, the NRM chairperson for Pakwach, criticised the FPU, stating that its strict enforcement, including regulations on net and boat sizes, has impoverished locals, making it difficult for them to afford school fees.
Jacan Omach Mandir, the vice-chairperson of the NRM electoral commission and former Jonam County MP, urged for engagement with cultural leaders to address pressing local issues, including the unresolved Palango land dispute east of the River Nile and poor road infrastructure.
Museveni’s promises
President Museveni pledged to improve access to essential services, promising at least one health centre and one secondary school per sub-county.
Currently, Pakwach district has eight health facilities across ten sub-counties, including a Health Centre II in Ragem, and only one fully-fledged A-level secondary school.
President Museveni also pledged commitment to forming a committee to resolve the long-standing Palango land issue, noting that previous discussions with the late Onegubel yielded no clear resolution.
The President’s address in Pakwach came after a high-spirited rally in Oyam district where he pledged a new district for the people and new development and social infrastructure, including roads and schools.
Residents' voices
Christine Ayot from Jupakanyo Village expressed frustration with the FPU, stating, “We used to pay school fees with fishing income, but now we can’t.”
Fortunate Yanichan, a resident of Pakwach town council, echoed this sentiment, urging the President to relax restrictions on water bodies to support education funding.
Epiphany Berocan, the NRM flagbearer for Jonam County, expressed confidence in Museveni’s leadership, stating, “We trust the President will meet with cultural and religious leaders to find a way forward.”