BUIKWE DISTRICT : Residents of Buikwe District came together to celebrate International Labour Day, expressing heartfelt gratitude to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for his continued efforts to uplift their communities through various government programs. These initiatives, particularly in agriculture and livestock, have played a pivotal role in helping many families overcome poverty and improve their livelihoods.
The event, held at Bishop Nkoyooyo Primary School, saw people from different sectors in attendance, with President Museveni himself gracing the occasion as the chief guest.
In his address, President Museveni announced plans for a nationwide fish farming campaign next year aimed at revitalizing the Fisheries Sector. He also reiterated the government’s commitment to regulating fishing activities across the country’s water bodies to prevent the depletion of fish stocks in Uganda’s lakes.
Furthermore, the president confirmed plans to support commercial fish farming on the peripheries of wetlands in Buikwe District, offering government assistance to farmers.
He also cautioned against the misuse and encroachment of wetlands, urging the local population to adopt sustainable wetland management practices, similar to those in place at the Limoto Presidential Fish Farm in Pallisa District, which has successfully transformed fish farming in the area.
The president underscored the importance of wetlands for agriculture and irrigation and called on the people to preserve and protect these valuable ecosystems.
A highlight of the event was the recognition of the Strategic Campaign for Alternative Income Generating Activities for Fishing Communities in Uganda (SCAIFU), a program launched under the Office of the President.
The initiative aims to help communities, especially those reliant on fishing, diversify their income sources through farming and livestock activities.
Many of the attendees, particularly those involved in the SCAIFU program, took the opportunity to express their thanks to President Museveni for his support. The program, which has already made a significant impact, provides essential resources such as pigs, chickens, and farming tools, as well as educational support to improve local livelihoods.
For many Buikwe residents, fishing has been a primary source of income, but declining fish stocks have led to challenges. Thanks to the SCAIFU initiative, however, many have been able to shift to alternative sources of income, such as farming and livestock rearing.
The local community has called on the president to increase funding for these programs, particularly those focused on agriculture and livestock, which they believe are key to ensuring sustainable livelihoods.
Sylvia Nakiwoolo, the head of SCAIFU, emphasized the importance of these efforts, stating that the program is designed to empower those living near lakes by introducing them to alternative economic activities.
She praised President Museveni for his support, which has encouraged communities to diversify their income sources beyond traditional fishing.
Nakiwoolo also highlighted the president’s recognition of the challenges faced by the fishing community, noting, “The lake is under immense pressure from overfishing. Many people who once relied on fishing have now turned to the lake in desperation.
The president is encouraging the community to look beyond fishing as their only livelihood and to explore other income-generating activities, such as poultry keeping, cattle farming, goat rearing, and more.”
She also highlighted initiatives aimed at empowering women in the fishing communities, stating, “We are creating Women Entrepreneurship Centers where women can learn skills such as soap making, shampoo production, candle making, and even baking. These skills will provide them with alternative means of income and help them avoid engaging in criminal activities like prostitution.”
Nakiwoolo further shared plans to expand the program, including training women on legal and entrepreneurial matters to help them tap into new business opportunities.
This comprehensive approach is designed to foster long-term economic growth and stability for the communities.
As the celebrations drew to a close, the people of Buikwe expressed their hope for continued government support, particularly as they await the upcoming government budget in June, which they believe will provide the resources needed to enhance and expand these life-changing initiatives.
