Fishermen in Kalangala District can finally breathe a sigh of relief after the Fisheries Protection Unit ordered the return of boats, nets, and engines previously confiscated during lake enforcement operations.
The directive came from Lt. Col. Mercy Tukahirwa, Commander of the Fisheries Protection Unit (FPU), during a meeting with fishermen and local leaders at Kakyungwa landing site in Bufumira Subcounty.
The meeting, organized by NRM leaders, aimed to strengthen support for President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and the ruling party.
Lt. Col. Tukahirwa instructed officers conducting lake operations to return all impounded items to their rightful owners, provided they were not engaged in illegal fishing.
“We must protect our waters, but we must also protect our people. Anyone found enforcing the law unfairly will face consequences,” she said.
She also ordered the immediate removal of a roadblock at Mazigo on the Masaka route, which had been causing transport delays and economic frustrations, prompting ululations and chants of support from the gathered crowd.
Brig. Gen. Augustine Kyazze, head of civic education in Greater Masaka, urged residents of the Ssese Islands to remain patient and continue supporting government programs.
“NRM’s development plans cannot be achieved overnight. Remain focused and avoid mistakes at the ballot box,” he cautioned.
Gen. Kyazze further appealed to youth leaders within the NRM to prioritize unity and service delivery over internal conflicts.
“Do not waste time fighting each other. Work for your party and your country,” he said.
NRM parliamentary aspirants, including Aidah Nabayiga (Woman MP) and Caroline Nanyondo Birungi (Kyamuswa County), also encouraged residents to vote for the ruling party, warning that opposition victories could slow development projects.
“When you send opposition leaders to Parliament, you slow down government projects in your district,” Hon. Nabayiga remarked.
District NRM Chairperson Sunday Gerald Kayita, however, noted that local mobilization at village level remains weak.
“We need stronger structures in the communities if NRM is to maintain its dominance in Kalangala,” he said.
The Resident District Commissioner, Hon. Fred Badda, concluded the meeting by calling for reconciliation among party members.
“Let us stop internal divisions and focus on strengthening NRM ahead of 2026,” he urged.