President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has announced plans to create a special fund for fishermen in Uganda, aimed at improving their livelihoods.
This revelation came during a visit to Titus Tumusiime’s farm in Sironko village, Nyamukutu parish, Butiaba Sub-county, Buliisa County, Buliisa district.
The President acknowledged that the current initiative money is insufficient for fishermen to purchase essential tools like boats and fishing nets.
“The fishermen’s fishing tools, such as boats, and fishing nets, are expensive. The PDM money isn’t enough for them to purchase these tools. And so, we shall create other funds for them,” he said.
To address this issue, President Museveni has called for a meeting with fishing community leaders in May this year to discuss the matter further.
In addition to the special fund, President Museveni also contributed Shs10m to Mr. Tumusiime to buy a tuk-tuk for transporting pig feeds and Shs25m to purchase a grinder.
During the visit, President Museveni also addressed the issue of the Kingship of Bugungu, known as Butebengwa, stating that he has no problem with it.
He promised to facilitate a meeting between the Butebengwa team and the Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom to resolve any issues.
The President also urged local leaders to get involved in handling Lake Albert issues and promised to organize a stakeholders’ meeting in May this year to discuss the matter further.
Hon. Allan Atugonza of Buliisa County commended President Museveni for initiating poverty alleviation programs like the Parish Development Model (PDM), which have improved the lives of Ugandans.
Mr. Tumusiime, a beneficiary of the PDM program, expressed his gratitude to President Museveni, saying that the initiative has been instrumental in helping him create household income.
He shared his success story, having earned Shs 4,300,000 from selling piglets.
The visit was attended by ministers, Members of Parliament, and other leaders, demonstrating the government’s commitment to supporting the fishing industry and improving the livelihoods of Ugandan fishermen.
