Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Uganda Monitor
Published on 2024-03-20 19:07:15
President Yoweri Museveni has made a commitment to withdraw the Fisheries Protection Unit (FPU) from the water bodies and hand over the management of fishing communities to local elders. This announcement was made during a campaign event at Amatiburu Primary School in Kangai Sub County, Dokolo District, where the president was advocating for Ms. Janet Adongo Rose Elau, the NRM flag bearer for the Dokolo District Woman Parliamentary seat.
Museveni emphasized the importance of involving elders in the management of lakes, stating, “I want you, the people who are near the lakes, to guide me. Get the elders of this area; they should be the ones to tell us who is spoiling the lakes so that the army can go away and the people themselves look after the lakes.”
The president proposed convening a conference with elders from different regions, including Northern Uganda, Nakasongola, and Busoga, to coordinate the handover process and remove soldiers from the lakes. The decision to remove soldiers from lake management signifies a shift towards community-led initiatives rather than relying solely on military intervention.
Established in 2017 under the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), the FPU was created to combat illegal fishing and improve the fisheries sector. However, Museveni’s recent directive underscores the importance of community involvement in lake management.
In the meantime, President Museveni urged the public to report any instances of soldiers extorting money from fishermen to ensure accountability and discipline within the forces. He emphasized the need for proper fishing practices and cautioned against the exploitation of resources by external parties.
During the event, Member of Parliament for Dokolo South, Mr. Felix Okot Ogong, raised concerns about the alleged extortion of money from fishermen by the army. However, President Museveni defended the military presence, citing the need to protect the fishing industry from collapse due to unsustainable practices.
Museveni highlighted the threat posed by foreign individuals who exploit Uganda’s fishery resources, leading to a decline in fish populations. He recalled a time when Uganda had 22 fish processing factories and earned significant revenue from the fishery sector, emphasizing the importance of sustainable management practices.
Overall, President Museveni’s decision to involve local elders in lake management and remove soldiers from the equation reflects a shift towards community-driven solutions for sustainable fisheries. By empowering local communities to take charge of their resources, Uganda aims to protect its valuable aquatic ecosystems and ensure the long-term viability of its fishing industry.
Read the original article on Uganda Monitor
