President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has condemned the practice of rearing cattle in wetlands, warning that such activities threaten the environment and should be replaced with more sustainable ventures like fish farming.
Speaking during his performance assessment tour on the Parish Development Model (PDM) and wealth creation in Kigezi sub-region, Museveni urged communities to protect wetlands for long-term benefits.
“I appreciate the fishpond you have set up, but I advise you to move your cattle out of the wetland because it is not a suitable environment for livestock. Wetlands are meant for fish farming, not cattle,” Museveni said.
He emphasized the economic potential of fish farming, explaining that a full acre can generate up to 1.4 million shillings in profits after deducting feed costs. He added that fishponds also support irrigation, which enhances crop production.
Museveni urged farmers to adopt modern, sustainable agricultural practices and pledged continued government support for programs that protect wetlands while boosting income generation.
The President’s remarks come amid ongoing efforts to restore degraded wetlands and promote environmentally friendly economic activities. Uganda has intensified efforts to regulate wetland use, encouraging communities to transition from traditional farming to conservation-based enterprises.
The event was attended by government officials, local leaders, and community members from the Kigezi sub-region.
