President Museveni, who is also the NRM presidential flag bearer, has told the people of Kole District in the Lango sub-region that they are sitting on “goldmines” in the form of swamps found in the area.
While campaigning at Aculbanya Secondary School playgrounds on Thursday, Museveni said the wetlands provide an opportunity for residents to venture into large-scale fish farming and earn substantial income.
“Fish farming is one of the enterprises you can invest in. From a fish pond measuring 25 by 50 metres, you can earn Shs100 million in a year, and after removing costs, remain with Shs70 million as profit. This is from just half an acre. If you have two ponds on one acre, you can earn Shs140 million,” he said.
“You are sitting on a goldmine. These wetlands are goldmines. You should not encroach on the centre but use the peripheries to construct ponds. You will make a lot of money. This is not a story because I have done it myself here in Lango at the presidential demonstration farm,” Museveni added.
The President acknowledged that fish ponds are expensive to construct but said the government is set to launch a programme that will handle pond construction across the country.
“Fish ponds are a bit expensive to dig, but after the elections, if you support the NRM, we shall come with equipment and dig them for you. Use wetlands more profitably while also retaining water to irrigate other land. Irrigation is not a joke. It is therefore incorrect to misuse or underutilise these gifts that God gave us,” he said.
Emphasising wealth creation, Museveni noted that while development is important, wealth creation is key.
He said he has been advocating for wealth creation since the 1960s to ensure households escape poverty.
“Those who listened to us have done well, especially after the 1996 manifesto where we advised people with small pieces of land to use the four-acre model,” Museveni said, citing State Minister for Transport, Fred Byamukama, as an example.
“In four acres, he has one acre for coffee, fruits, pigs, bananas for food, poultry for eggs, and cows for dairy. From poultry alone, he collects 302 trays of eggs per day and earns Shs108 million per month. After removing costs, he remains with Shs55 million monthly,” he said.
The President urged Ugandans to listen to and implement his advice, which he said has been tested and proven to work, noting that it can lift families out of poverty.
“NRM is a party of enlightenment. We show people how to move forward,” Museveni said.
As part of wealth creation efforts, he added that the government plans to restock cattle by giving five cows to each family in Northern Uganda.
“Support the NRM to preserve what we have achieved and build on it,” he urged.