President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has urged Bukedi Subregion residents to stop rice farming in swamps and instead use wetlands for fish farming along the edges to protect these areas and increase income. Museveni made the appeal on November 9, 2024, while addressing local leaders during his wealth creation tour in Butaleja District, part of the assessment of Parish Development Model (PDM) and wealth initiatives.
The President highlighted the region’s natural resources, including its wetlands, which he described as “richest parts of the world” with abundant water and fertile land. He stressed that proper utilization of wetlands, such as developing fish ponds along the edges, could bring more financial returns while preserving the environment. “I want the people of Bukedi to know how to use wetlands better. You can make more money and save the wetlands by placing fish ponds on the edges, not in the center,” he said, adding that farmers could earn up to Shs 60 million from fishponds on one acre, as seen in Limoto Wetland.
Museveni also emphasized his administration’s commitment to socioeconomic transformation through programs like PDM and Emyooga, which aim to support subsistence farmers in joining the money economy. He noted that many farmers have benefited and are pleased with the initiatives. “We will continue to invest more in the PDM and Emyooga programs each year,” he said.
On wealth creation, Museveni reiterated the importance of his four-acre farming model, which promotes high-value crops such as coffee, fruits, and dairy, while also incorporating poultry, piggery, and fish farming for income diversification. He urged small-scale farmers to prioritize crops with higher returns over large-scale crops like cotton and maize, which require more land to be profitable.
Vice President Jessica Alupo praised Museveni’s approach, noting that his tour has mobilized and motivated communities in Bukedi to actively engage in wealth-creation initiatives. She described Museveni’s leadership as essential for securing Uganda’s future through practical development programs.
Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja expressed gratitude to the NRM government for its continued support to empower Ugandans through PDM, and she reported that the government has fulfilled 35 percent of its commitments under the NRM Manifesto, with an additional 49 percent still underway.
The rally also featured remarks from the NRM Secretary General, Rt. Hon. Richard Todwong, who lauded the President’s leadership and commitment to addressing grassroots challenges.
Local leaders and cultural and religious representatives from across Bukedi attended the event, which underscored government efforts to guide and support rural communities in their journey to economic stability.
