By Philp Aguta
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has announced a major nationwide fish farming initiative aimed at restoring wetlands, boosting irrigation, and increasing household incomes.
Speaking during a campaign rally at the Serere District Headquarters on Monday, November 3, 2025, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) presidential flag bearer said the program will turn wetlands into productive zones for aquaculture while preserving the environment.
“We’re going to develop a massive fish farming program along the edges of the wetlands because we want them to regain water for irrigation. We shall earn more from fish and also use that water to grow crops,” the President said.
He showed a video of his model fish project in Lango, which generates up to Shs 140 million annually, urging communities to embrace fish farming as a profitable venture.
President Museveni further revealed plans for a special fund for fishermen to support the purchase of boats, nets, and engines separate from the Shs 100 million allocated under the Parish Development Model (PDM).
“We are adding a fund for fishermen because their needs are bigger than what PDM covers,” he emphasized.
Peace and Stability
The President reminded Serere residents of the NRM’s role in restoring peace and security, especially in areas once affected by insurgencies.
“Lakwena disturbed this very area, but your being here today is proof that we defeated the rebels. Uganda has now enjoyed the longest period of peace in its history,” Museveni said.
He credited peace for enabling the ongoing development programs across Teso, including roads, schools, health centers, and irrigation projects.
Infrastructure and Roads
President Museveni outlined major infrastructure investments made in the Teso subregion, highlighting completed and ongoing projects. These include the Tirinyi–Pallisa–Kumi, Arapai–Katakwi, Katakwi–Irrir, and Kumi–Ladot roads.
He also announced that funds have been secured for the Kumi–Ngora–Serere–Kagwara road, with procurement for a contractor already underway.
“The road from Serere to Soroti will also be worked on because it’s a shorter route,” he said.
The President confirmed ongoing work on major national roads such as Soroti–Dokolo–Lira–Kamdini and Tororo–Mbale–Soroti, and plans for new routes connecting Soroti, Amuria, and Abim.
Power, Water, and Sanitation
President Museveni praised progress in rural electrification, noting that almost all sub-counties in Serere now have electricity except two.
He also cited improvements in water access, with 85% of the district’s 277 villages now covered. Urban water systems are already running in Serere Town Council, Ocapa, Kyere, and Kasilo, while new systems are planned for Kidetok, Kadungulu, and Mugarama.
On irrigation, he highlighted several completed and ongoing projects such as the Ongor and Opapa irrigation schemes and the Owiiny Valley Dam, completed at a cost of Shs 4.3 billion.
Education and Health
The President commended local education progress but cautioned against charging fees in government schools.
“In the next government, I want all Ugandans to support free education,” he said.
Serere District currently has 98 government primary schools, 119 private primaries, 12 government secondary schools, and 41 private ones.
On health, Museveni said new Health Centre IIIs are being built in Kidetok, Kadungulu, and Ocaapa, while Omagoro in Kyere is being upgraded.
Wealth Creation
Museveni encouraged citizens to embrace the “four-acre model” to generate personal wealth, saying development projects alone do not create prosperity.
“Development is government work, but wealth is personal. You must join the money economy,” he said.
He praised farmer Joseph Ijala from Serere, who earns millions daily from poultry and dairy farming.
“You don’t have a tarmac road here, but Ijala is already rich. Work for wealth and development will find you,” Museveni said.
Cattle Compensation and Local Support
The President also addressed the issue of cattle compensation in Teso, Lango, and Acholi, assuring residents that the government will finalize the process.
“We spent Shs 139 billion before but paused due to court cases. We have now agreed with your leaders to complete this once and for all,” he said.
Government figures show that 11,056 claimants in Teso have received Shs 55.9 billion, including 923 beneficiaries in Serere who got Shs 6.18 billion.
NRM Support in Serere
Serere has a population of 358,000 people and 162,646 registered voters for the 2026 elections, up from 130,290 in 2021. In the previous polls, Museveni won 51.2% of the vote.
Among the leaders present were Rt. Hon. Anita Among, who reaffirmed government support for Serere Hospital and key infrastructure projects, and NRM Vice Chairperson for Eastern Region Calvin Echodu, who praised the President’s consistent engagement with the people of Teso.
“Serere is special to me because it’s where I first met the President 45 years ago,” Echodu said.
