Under the bright morning sun in Serere District, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni unveiled a nationwide fish farming program that he says will not only transform household incomes but also restore Uganda’s vital wetlands and support irrigation.
Addressing a campaign rally at Serere District Headquarters on Monday, November 3, 2025, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) presidential flag bearer said the initiative marks a shift toward sustainable production that balances environmental conservation with economic growth.
“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,” Museveni said. “We shall earn more from fish and also use that water to grow crops.”
To illustrate the potential, Museveni showed a video of his model fish project in Lango, which generates about Shs 140 million annually, urging communities to replicate the success in their own areas.
He also announced plans for a special national fund for fishermen—separate from the Shs 100 million allocated under the Parish Development Model (PDM) to support the purchase of boats, engines, and fishing gear.
“We are adding a fund for fishermen because their needs are bigger than what PDM covers,” he emphasized.
Peace as the Foundation of Progress
The President reminded the people of Serere that Uganda’s steady development rests on the peace secured under the NRM.
“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 attributed the region’s growing prosperity as seen in new roads, schools, and irrigation systems, to the stability restored over the last four decades.
Infrastructure and Roads
Museveni highlighted the major infrastructure upgrades transforming Teso, citing completed and ongoing projects such as the Tirinyi–Pallisa–Kumi, Arapai–Katakwi, Katakwi–Irrir, and Kumi–Ladot roads.
He further 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 that major national road works are ongoing, including Soroti–Dokolo–Lira–Kamdini and Tororo–Mbale–Soroti, alongside plans for new connections linking Soroti, Amuria, and Abim.
Power, Water, and Sanitation for Rural Access
President Museveni commended progress in rural electrification, noting that nearly all sub-counties in Serere now have power except two.
On water and sanitation, he revealed that 85% of the district’s 277 villages now have clean water access. Urban piped systems already serve Serere Town Council, Ocapa, Kyere, and Kasilo, with new installations planned for Kidetok, Kadungulu, and Mugarama.
He also pointed to the Ongor and Opapa irrigation schemes and the Owiiny Valley Dam, completed at a cost of Shs 4.3 billion, as key drivers of food security and commercial agriculture.
Education and Health Services for Every Household
While praising education progress in the district, Museveni cautioned schools against imposing fees on learners under government programs.
“In the next government, I want all Ugandans to support free education,” he said.
Serere now boasts 98 government primary schools, 119 private primary schools, 12 government secondary schools, and 41 private ones.
Concerning health, Museveni announced ongoing construction of Health Centre IIIs in Kidetok, Kadungulu, and Ocaapa, and the upgrading of Omagoro Health Centre in Kyere.
Wealth Creation
Echoing one of his signature economic messages, the President urged residents to embrace the “four-acre model”, a farming approach designed to maximize returns from small landholdings through a mix of high-value enterprises.
“Development is government work, but wealth is personal. You must join the money economy,” he said.
He singled out Joseph Ijala of Serere, a farmer earning millions daily from poultry and dairy farming, as an example of self-driven success.
“You don’t have a tarmac road here, but Ijala is already rich. Work for wealth and development will find you,” Museveni remarked.
Cattle Compensation
On the long-standing issue of cattle compensation for Teso, Lango, and Acholi, the President assured residents that government is finalizing 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 and Political Commitment
Serere, with a population of 358,000 people and 162,646 registered voters for the 2026 elections, remains an important political base for the NRM. Museveni secured 51.2% of the vote in 2021, and local leaders reaffirmed their support for his re-election bid.
NRM Vice Chairperson for Eastern Region Calvin Echodu reflected emotionally on his 45-year friendship with the President, saying, “Serere is special to me because it’s where I first met the President.”
As the rally drew to a close, Serere’s residents cheered in unison, many seeing the fish farming initiative as more than a development promise, it was a symbol of renewal for a region once marked by struggle, now poised for prosperity.
