Bold claim: Fisheries management on Lake Albert isn’t just policy—it’s a test of whether Uganda can protect its own natural wealth without sidelining the people who depend on it. And this is where the conversation gets tricky, because balancing conservation with livelihoods invites strong opinions. Here’s a refreshed, fully unique version of the report that preserves the meaning and key facts while expanding a bit for clarity and beginner-friendly understanding.
Museveni Urges Thoughtful Fishing Rules to Protect Lake Albert
Kikuube District — In a campaign rally on Saturday, December 13, 2025, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni addressed a large crowd at Kiziranfumbi Primary School Playground. He used the moment to speak to concerns about how Lake Albert’s fishery is managed, tying the discussion to his broader 2026 campaign themes of peace, wealth creation, and continuing the National Resistance Movement’s (NRM) development gains.
The President acknowledged the worries raised by fishing communities and defended the government’s conservation measures intended to protect Uganda’s dwindling fish stocks. He emphasized a two-pronged approach: stop catching young fish and halt fishing in breeding areas to safeguard future harvests.
During the remarks, Rt. Hon. Anita Annet Among, Speaker of Parliament and Second National Vice Chair of the NRM, reported that local leaders and fishermen had complained about harassment by security personnel enforcing fishing regulations on Lake Albert. “People in Kikuube are reporting harassment of fishermen by the army on Lake Albert, and this needs your intervention,” Among told the President, drawing applause from portions of the audience.
Museveni responded by reaffirming the necessity of regulating fishing to preserve the lake’s productivity. He also stressed that enforcement should be fair, inclusive, and grounded in dialogue with communities. “Even when people are fishing properly, there must be a limit to how many can fish on the lake,” he stated. “Even Namboole Stadium has a capacity limit. If everyone who pays tried to enter, people could be harmed.”
Kikuube, a district along Lake Albert, relies heavily on fishing for livelihoods, food security, and income—especially in lakeshore sub-counties. Fishing also underpins cross-border trade with the Democratic Republic of Congo, even as agriculture remains the district’s dominant economic activity.
To justify conservation efforts, Museveni drew on cultural analogies and traditional knowledge, arguing that responsible fishing practices are rooted in African traditions rather than foreign ideas. “That is why we are consulting elders,” he said. “There are clans in places like Pakwach and Buliisa—the Abakwanga—who understand fishing in the traditional way. If they catch a young fish, they return it to the water because they know the lake’s continued existence depends on it.”
He likened illegal fishing to the taboos observed by pastoral communities. “Even I, as a traditional cattle keeper, don’t eat calves,” he remarked. “That taboo analogy applies here too: it isn’t logical to catch and consume immature fish.”
Previously, in 2017, the government established the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Fisheries Protection Unit to combat illegal fishing, which had severely depleted stocks nationwide. The unit operates under the supervision of Lt. Col. Mercy Tukahirwa.
To alleviate pressure on Lake Albert while broadening income opportunities, Museveni encouraged communities to explore commercial fish farming, particularly in swampy and water-rich zones. He cited his Baralege model farm in the Lira–Lango sub-region, where he practices integrated farming on four acres—combining fish ponds with dairy cattle, coffee, fruits, and bananas. “From a fish pond measuring 20 by 100 meters, I earn about Shs100 million per year,” he said. “After costs, I net around Shs70 million. On one acre you can have two such ponds. That translates into real money.”
Museveni noted that ongoing consultations with elders and local leaders would help determine sustainable fishing quotas and identify surplus labor that could be redirected toward aquaculture. “That is why we must agree on who should fish, how many, and why,” he explained. “Those who are in excess can be supported to start fish farming.”
Beyond fisheries, the rally served to amplify the NRM’s 2026–2031 manifesto, which Museveni framed as building on seven historic achievements with peace at the core. Addressing the crowd, he reminded them that they are descendants of freedom fighters and highlighted how areas such as Buhimba, Masindi, and Birembo have transformed from wartime zones into peaceful parts of a unified Uganda.
Regarding development, he cited progress in electricity, water, and health services in Kikuube District. He noted that 19 sub-counties now have electricity at their headquarters, while acknowledging gaps in water access, with only 57 percent of villages having safe water sources. “Much has been done, but there is more to do,” he pledged.
On health, Museveni announced that Kikuube Health Centre IV would be upgraded to a district hospital, a move greeted with applause from residents and local leaders.
Reaffirming wealth creation as a central pillar alongside peace and development, the President stressed that household income growth is essential. “We have always told you that wealth starts at the family level,” he said.
He highlighted successful model farmers, including the Kamanyire Demonstration Farm in Kakumiro District, owned by State Minister for Transport Fred Byamukama, and Korea Dick Ogira of Abim District in Karamoja, to illustrate that choosing the right enterprises—not just building infrastructure—is key to prosperity. “Development may not always be visible overnight, but wealth can still be created,” he asserted. “That is why we urge you to select the right enterprises.”
In closing, Museveni urged Ugandans to focus on productive sectors such as commercial agriculture, manufacturing, services, and ICT, arguing that sustainable jobs primarily come from the private sector rather than government employment.
The President is scheduled to wrap up his Bunyoro sub-region campaign rallies on Monday, December 15, 2025, in Kakumiro District, before continuing campaign efforts in the Buganda region with a major rally in Mubende District.
Controversy-ready questions for readers: Do you think the balance between conservation and livelihoods is being handled fairly here? Should there be stricter limits on fishing, or more investment in alternative income sources to reduce dependence on wild harvests? Share your thoughts below.
