Museveni promises to pour money into the fishing community SACCO in Amolatar

Amolatar | President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) presidential flag bearer, addressed a vibrant crowd on Wednesday during his campaign rally in Amolatar district, Lango sub-region.

The event attracted thousands of residents who gathered to listen to his message and pledges for the next five years. In his speech, Museveni made promises focusing on fishing, infrastructure, education, wealth creation, and community development.

Recognising the central role of fishing in the lives of the people of Amolatar, Museveni pledged stronger support for the sector. He announced plans to convene with Members of Parliament from fishing communities to discuss how locals can continue fishing for food without breaking existing laws.

He acknowledged fishermen’s financial difficulties and promised to initiate and support a Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisation (SACCO) specifically designed for the fishing community in Amolatar.

The president also spoke of restoring wetlands that have been degraded by rice cultivation. He proposed constructing fish ponds along wetland shores in Lango, Teso, and Busoga as part of sustainable fish farming programs.

According to him, this initiative would not only boost incomes but also protect fragile ecosystems critical for biodiversity and food security.

On transport infrastructure, President Museveni reassured residents that road construction remains a top priority for his government. He pointed to ongoing work on the Apac–Rwekunye road and revealed fresh plans to tarmac the Namasale–Dokolo road, describing the project as a personal commitment.

Additionally, he told the rally that such investments would open up markets, improve trade, and connect rural communities to essential services.

Regarding employment, Museveni said his government has extended financial support to Boda Boda SACCOs to strengthen the popular transport sector.

He emphasised that such initiatives would improve livelihoods and provide a safety net for many young people in Amolatar and the wider Lango sub-region.

Education also featured prominently in his address. Museveni urged government officials to strictly enforce the policy of free education in public schools by stopping the illegal collection of fees. He pledged that his next term would see the recruitment of 50,000 teachers to bridge staffing gaps and improve quality education across the country.

In a historic announcement for Amolatar, he promised to establish a technical school in memory of the late Latigo, a son of the district who contributed significantly to the growth of the NRM in the region. Museveni said the school would equip young people with hands-on skills for self-reliance and job creation.

Calling for a shift from subsistence to commercial farming, Museveni urged communities to focus on wealth creation rather than survival. He thanked residents for embracing the cattle restocking compensation initiative, noting that it had restored livelihoods and reduced poverty in many households.

The NRM presidential candidate further encouraged families to diversify income sources by engaging in modern farming, savings groups, and entrepreneurship.

Several NRM leaders also addressed the rally. Annet Anite Among, Speaker of Parliament and the NRM party’s Second National Vice Chairperson – Female, assured residents that the promised roads would be developed “with hook or crook.”

On his part, Hamson Obua, Vice Chairperson for NRM in Northern Uganda, reminded the crowd of the party’s seven pillars: peace, development, wealth creation, jobs, services, markets, and political federation, stressing that these remain the guiding framework for NRM’s governance.

As the rally concluded, President Museveni officially handed over the NRM flags to district flag bearers, including LC5 chairperson James Auna, Kyioga North MP Peter Okodo, Kyoga County MP Felix Adupa, and Woman MP Dr Agness Atim Apea.

The ceremony was marked by cheers and songs of support, reflecting the excitement and optimism among residents eager for progress and development.