President Museveni has postponed a final decision on how fishermen should catch silver fish, locally known as mukene, on Lake Victoria.
He said the government will first consult technical experts and indigenous fishermen before settling the dispute.
The President made the remarks on Monday during the final campaign rally for NRM candidate Aidah Nabayiga at Kibanga Primary School in Kalangala District.
The disagreement follows new fisheries guidelines that bar fishermen from using the “hurry-up” fishing method and lamps while catching silver fish.
Fishermen say the restrictions, which were enforced early this year, have affected their livelihoods.
Museveni Seeks Guidance on Mukene Fishing
During the rally, President Museveni asked government officials to explain the matter.
He first consulted Gen Katumba Wamala, the Minister of Public Service, who comes from Kalangala. He also heard from Robert Migadde, the new State Minister for Fisheries and a resident of neighbouring Buvuma District.
Mr Migadde told the President that lamps help fishermen target silver fish. He said the method also reduces the chances of catching immature fish species.
He added that the Ministry of Agriculture is finalising regulations under the Fisheries and Aquaculture Act. The regulations are expected to respond to concerns raised by silver fish fishermen.
According to Mr Migadde, the ministry and technical officials have given themselves two months to complete the regulations.
President Museveni asked Kalangala residents to remain patient as the government studies the matter.
“I learnt that fish in the lake live and feed at different levels. Since I have managed to gather experts and also listen to the indigenous fishermen, we shall ably solve this issue,” Mr Museveni said.
Kalangala Leaders Raise Transport Concerns
The issue of water transport also featured at the rally.
Kalangala District chairperson Agnes Lunkuse raised concern over the unreliable schedule of MV Kalangala. She also questioned the uncertainty around government support for ferries serving the islands.
In response, President Museveni promised to engage district leaders on a lasting solution.
He said the discussions would include government agreements supporting the two ferries operating on the Bugoma-Bukakata route.
“I am going to talk to the leaders to see whether the current routes are enough. If necessary, we can increase the number of trips,” Mr Museveni said.
New Ferry Routes Planned
President Museveni also announced plans to introduce two additional ferry routes to improve transport in Kalangala District.
He said one ferry will operate from Kasenyi Landing Site to Mweena. It will make stopovers at Jaana in Bubeke Sub-county, Lwanabatya in Kyamuswa Sub-county and Lulindi in Bufumira Sub-county.
The second ferry is expected to operate between Nakiwogo in Entebbe and Lutoboka in Kyamuswa Sub-county. It will have a stopover at Kachanga on Buvu Island.
“Then we shall change MV Kalangala to operate between islands so people can transport their cargo from one island to another,” he said.
Museveni Pledges District Hospital
President Museveni also promised to construct a district hospital in Kalangala.
He urged residents to invest in agriculture so they can benefit from the district’s growing tourism sector.
“After we have constructed roads, supplied clean and safe water and stabilised electricity, these investments will facilitate tourism. I request the people of Kalangala to prepare themselves to tap into the money that comes with the growth of tourism,” he said.
The President encouraged residents to take up poultry farming and dairy production to serve the expected tourism market.
“Tourists will need eggs. You have to add poultry projects and practise zero grazing for milk production needed by these tourists so you can earn income,” Mr Museveni added.
NUP Cancels Final Rally
Meanwhile, the National Unity Platform cancelled the final campaign rally for its flag bearer, Irene Nampala, on Monday.
Party officials said security agencies repeatedly denied them access to agreed campaign venues.
“We were supposed to conclude our campaigns at Kaala Grounds in Bujjumba Sub-county, but on Saturday we were informed that our rally venue was close to the place where the President was expected to hold a rally for the NRM candidate,” Mr Habib Buwembo, the NUP national mobiliser said.
Mr Buwembo said the party later engaged the Electoral Commission and agreed to move the rally to Kasekulo Landing Site in Beta Parish, Mugoye Sub-county.
“But to our shock, on Sunday security officials informed us that we were not supposed to host a rally on the same island with the President,” he said.
According to Mr Buwembo, party officials continued engaging security agencies and the Electoral Commission to find another venue.
“We engaged the Electoral Commission and agreed to host our rally at Kitobo Landing Site.
However, on Sunday night we received information that another candidate who was expected to campaign in the area would also be there, and we were advised not to interfere with that programme. We therefore decided to spare the day,” he said.
Mr Buwembo said the cancellation was unfortunate because NUP had planned to host senior party leaders, including the party president, to address voters in Kalangala.
“Unfortunately, the people have been denied that opportunity,” he said.