President Yoweri Museveni has issued a series of urgent directives to address the deteriorating fisheries sector and escalating land conflicts involving pastoralist Balaalo communities in Buliisa District.
While campaigning in the area on Thursday, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) presidential candidate appointed Maj. Gen. Daniel Kakono, Commander of the Field Artillery Division, to lead reforms in the management of Lake Albert’s resources. Museveni ordered that all motorcycles, boats, and engines previously confiscated by security forces be returned to their owners by tomorrow.
“If the motorcycles, boats and engines are not there, you should go for the soldiers responsible,” Museveni told Maj. Gen. Kakono. He added that substandard fishing nets, if seized, should not be returned.
The President said the recovery of the fisheries sector requires strict conservation measures, including a “fishing holiday” to allow fish stocks to regenerate. He blamed years of poor fishing practices for the collapse of 22 fish factories that once drove Uganda’s export industry.
Shifting to ongoing land tensions, Museveni directed security leaders to immediately remove pastoralist Balaalo whom he accused of encroaching on land belonging to the Alur and Bagungu communities. “I will tell Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba to make sure you chase those Balaalo,” he said, describing the pastoralists as a “nuisance.”
He also proposed the creation of a new constituency for Buliisa, citing population growth. “It is in order for Buliisa to get another constituency because I immunized you, and now there are more people,” he said.
Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja assured residents that the government would act on the concerns raised, particularly around land and fisheries. Tourism Minister Maj. (Rtd) Tom Butiime added that the government will complete the boundary fence around the park to protect communities from wildlife threats.
Museveni emphasised that lasting development depends on peace and that new jobs can be generated through agriculture, industrialization, and a dedicated fisheries fund he promised to establish.
