President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) presidential candidate, has pledged to establish a special fund for fishermen, religious leaders, and university graduates if re-elected.
Speaking during his campaign rally in Pakwach district, Museveni said the initiative aims to improve the welfare of specific groups whose needs differ from those targeted by existing government programs like the Parish Development Model (PDM).
“We shall add another Shs 15 million per parish, and this will cater for local leaders like LC III chairpersons, councillors, and others,” Museveni said. “But funds for fishermen must be different because what fishermen need are not the same as PDM — their packages must also be different.”
He further explained that the funds for religious leaders would be disbursed through their respective parishes and structures, rather than at district level, to ensure the money directly reaches communities where poverty remains entrenched.
Museveni’s promise to fishermen came in response to concerns raised by opposition leaders from the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), who have long criticized government operations by the Fisheries Protection Unit (FPU) on major lakes.
FDC deputy president in charge of northern Uganda, Hassan Kaps Fungaroo, argued that the FPU’s crackdown on illegal fishing gear and immature fish has left many fishermen destitute and without livelihoods.
“I totally disagree with the president because you can’t give loans to someone who lost his property in an operation commanded or initiated by the government,” Fungaroo said.
“It would make more sense if the government offered bailouts or compensation to those who lost their property during FPU operations.”
Local residents in Pakwach echoed similar sentiments. Adong Roseline, a voter in Jonam, urged the president to provide direct financial support rather than loans to affected fishermen.
“Fishermen are currently poor because they are jobless,” Adong said. “If the president gives them money as loans, where will they get the means to pay back?”
The president’s new pledge adds to a growing list of campaign promises targeting specific community groups as Museveni seeks another term in office. However, critics argue that without addressing the structural challenges facing sectors like fishing, such pledges may not deliver lasting relief.
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