By Karim Were
Uganda’s push to transform its rural economy is taking a more state-driven turn, with President Yoweri Museveni unveiling plans for a nationwide fish farming programme that signals a shift beyond small-scale household interventions.
Speaking during the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) parliamentary retreat at the National Leadership Institute Kyankwanzi, Museveni indicated that existing grassroots funding models like the Parish Development Model are insufficient to fully exploit Uganda’s wetland resources.
He argued that fish farming at scale requires centralized planning, heavy investment, and mechanization—elements that individual farmers cannot easily provide on their own.
The proposed initiative, which may roll out over multiple financial years, reflects government ambitions to tap into rising global demand for fish while boosting rural incomes. However, its timeline could be affected by competing national priorities, including preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations.
Beyond agriculture, Museveni used the retreat to outline a wider governance and infrastructure agenda. He revealed plans to establish a military presence in Bulambuli District, a move framed as part of long-term security planning in eastern Uganda.
At the same time, he issued directives aimed at tightening coordination within local governments. District officials will now be required to keep political leaders informed about all funds and programmes deployed in their areas—an effort to improve transparency and reduce administrative disconnects.
The retreat also highlighted tensions between ambition and current performance in Uganda’s agricultural sector. Agriculture Minister Frank Tumwebaze noted that the country is still underutilizing its land and lagging in modern farming practices, with low fertilizer use and limited irrigation holding back productivity.
He emphasized a more integrated farming model, encouraging smallholders to focus on high-value enterprises such as fish farming while larger players scale up production. However, he warned that without stronger investment in research, energy, and value addition, Uganda risks continuing to export raw commodities instead of higher-value finished products.
On the international front, Uganda’s diplomatic posture was also brought into focus. Ambassador Adonia Ayebare urged legislators to align with the executive in foreign policy matters, pointing to the country’s growing role in regional and global platforms such as the African Union and the East African Community.
Meanwhile, Security Minister Jim Muhwezi stressed that economic transformation hinges on maintaining national stability, describing security as a critical foundation for development.
Taken together, the discussions at Kyankwanzi reveal a government leaning toward larger, state-coordinated interventions—particularly in agriculture—as it seeks to accelerate economic growth and position Uganda more competitively in regional and global markets.
