President Museveni has deferred a final decision on silver fish, mukene, fishing methods on Lake Victoria, saying the government will first consult experts and indigenous fishermen.
The President made the remarks on Monday while campaigning for the ruling party candidate Aidah Nabayiga during the final campaign rally at Kibanga Primary School in Kalangala District.
The controversy stems from new fisheries guidelines that prohibit fishermen from using the “hurry-up” method and the use of lamps while hunting for silver fish. Fishermen argue that the restrictions enforced early this year have left them with few alternatives and threaten their livelihoods.
During the rally, Mr Museveni sought clarification from government officials on the matter. He first consulted Gen Katumba Wamala, the Minister of Public Services who hails from Kalangala, before hearing from the new State Minister for Fisheries Robert Migadde, also a fisherman from neighbouring Buvuma District.
Mr Migadde told the President that the use of lamps helps fishermen target silver fish while reducing the chances of catching immature fish species.
He said the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries is currently finalising regulations under the Fisheries and Aquaculture Act, which are expected to address the concerns raised by silver fish fishermen.
“As the minister responsible for fisheries, I will use the responsibility entrusted to me to ensure that we bring regulations under the Fisheries and Aquaculture law that will help solve the challenges and allow fishermen to continue harvesting silver fish on Lake Victoria,” Mr Migadde said.
He added that the Ministry and technical officials have given themselves two months to complete the regulations.
The President appealed to residents of Kalangala to exercise patience as the government studies the matter.
“I learnt that fish in the lake live and feed at different levels. Since I have been able to gather experts and also listen to the indigenous fishermen, we shall be able to solve this issue,” Mr Museveni said.
The issue of water transport was also raised during the rally, with Kalangala District chairperson Agnes Lunkuse expressing concern over the unreliable schedule of MV Kalangala, the only public vessel plying the Entebbe-Kalangala route, and uncertainty surrounding government support to ferries serving the islands.
In response, the President pledged to engage district leaders to find a lasting solution, including discussions on 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.
He also announced government plans to introduce two additional ferry routes to improve connectivity in the island district.
According to the President, one ferry will operate from Kasenyi Landing Site to Mweena, making 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, with a stopover at Kachanga on Buvu Island.
Mr Museveni said MV Kalangala would eventually be reassigned to provide inter-island transport services, particularly for cargo transportation between islands.
“Then we shall change MV Kalangala to operate between islands so that people can transport their cargo from one island to another,” he said.
The President also pledged to construct a district hospital in Kalangala and urged residents to invest in agriculture so they can benefit from the growing tourism industry in the district.
“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.
He encouraged island residents to engage in poultry farming and dairy production to meet the expected demand from tourists.
“Tourists will need eggs. You have to add poultry projects and practise zero grazing for milk production needed by these tourists so that you can earn income,” Mr Museveni added.
Background
The by-election is scheduled for Tuesday June 24 following the death of former district Woman MP Hellen Nakimuli in April. Five candidates are vying for the seat. They include National Resistance Movement flag bearer Aidah Nabayiga, National Unity Platform candidate Irene Nampala, and independents Hellen Flavia Nagawa, Babirye Sharifa Kaala and Susan Nasuuna.
Candidates were allocated a 10-day campaign period which ran from June 12 to June 22 to canvas for votes.
The district has 42,452 registered voters expected to cast ballots from 155 polling stations spread across 64 habitable islands.
Prior to her death Nakimuli had won the January 15 General Election the seat for a second term with 10,609 votes against NRM candidate Aidah Nabayiga’s 9,245 votes out of the 19,854 valid votes cast.
The ruling party won both Bujumba and Kyamuswa County parliamentary seats, captured the LC5 chairperson position and increased its representation on the district council from 13 councillors in 2021 to 18 out of 24 seats, strengthening its influence ahead of the forthcoming by-election.