Buyende: Authorities in Busoga Kingdom have expressed their discontent with President Yoweri Museveni’s actions regarding the lake and wetlands in the region. They argue that his deployment of the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) to the lake is contributing to the subregion’s underdevelopment.
During the 10th coronation anniversary of the Busoga King, the first deputy prime minister of Uganda and East African Community (EAC) affairs minister, Rebecca Kadaga, called on Museveni to withdraw the UPDF from the water bodies, which serve as a vital source of income for many local citizens.
“I heard that the president is coming to Buyende this year regarding ‘Mukene’ (silverfish) issues. Please be frank and tell him to disband the UPDF from the lake. Don’t fear him. If I’m around, I will tell him myself,” Kadaga said to a large crowd gathered at Bukungu Primary School in Buyende District on Friday, September 13, during the vibrant celebration of the Kyabazinga.
The UPDF and marine police personnel have reportedly harassed fishermen on Lake Kyoga and Lake Victoria, which border Busoga districts such as Buyende, Kaliro, Mayuge, Jinja, Namayingo, and Namutumba. The law enforcement officers were deployed to combat illegal fishing methods, which many fishermen had traditionally used.
The latest issue involves the disruption of silverfish (Mukene) fishing, dealing a significant blow to the livelihoods of the Basoga people who rely on Mukene, an affordable source of food for ordinary citizens.
“Baba Kyabazinga, as we praise you saying ‘Obufulu bufenga Ababa bawone oluntu’ (literally meaning, ‘let the silverfish die and young ones heal from measles’), the silverfish is no longer dying in the lake,” said Bukungu Town Council Chairperson LC3, Mr. Mathias Nyadundo, to the Kyabazinga, amidst a gathering of state and cultural dignitaries.
Nyadundo’s message highlighted the growing concern about access to silverfish, which has become increasingly difficult for local fishermen.
Earlier this year, State Minister for Fisheries Hellen Adoa announced that silverfish dealers should fish for only 15 days each month, warning that continuous fishing without breaks would deplete Uganda’s water bodies of silverfish.
However, Kadaga urged the government to review the source of illegal fishing nets, saying, “The illegal nets are found in the shops, and the fishermen purchase them from there.”
Kadaga, who is also the woman representative for Kamuli District, further stated that the wetlands President Museveni has ordered to be vacated should remain accessible to the local people.
Meanwhile, these discussions took place during the 10th coronation anniversary of the Kyabazinga of Busoga, HRH William Wilberforce Nadiope Gabula IV, who has been the reigning monarch since his enthronement on September 13, 2014.
At the event, the Kyabazinga made his first public appearance with the Inhebantu, HRH Jovia Mutesi. The royal couple was greeted with enthusiastic cheers as they walked gracefully, waving to the gathered subjects.
In his address, the Kyabazinga applauded his people for embracing unity, noting that it has played a key role in the development of Busoga. He also mentioned ongoing efforts to collaborate with the central government to reclaim the kingdom’s property, which he believes will contribute to Busoga’s transformation.
“The central government is working to refurbish the kingdom’s headquarters in Bugembe,” the Kyabazinga announced.
This year’s coronation theme was “Harnessing the Environment by Planting Food, Fruits, and Medicinal Trees,” with the Kyabazinga stressing the importance of environmental conservation.
“I urge all Basoga to plant trees and maintain the ones that are already planted to conserve the environment and prevent famine,” said the Kyabazinga. He also encouraged young people to engage in productive activities that would help improve their lives.
President Museveni, who was unable to attend the event, sent his congratulations to the Kyabazinga through Kadaga. He praised the monarch for playing a vital role in the kingdom’s development.
“I congratulate the Kyabazinga of Busoga, HRH William Wilberforce Nadiope Gabula IV, and the people of Busoga on reaching the 10th coronation anniversary. Your Royal Highness, on behalf of the government and the NRM party, I send my best wishes for peace, prosperity, and good health as you lead the kingdom forward. The NRM recognizes the importance of cultural institutions, as you cannot promote culture without them,” Kadaga read Museveni’s message to the Kyabazinga.
The 10th coronation anniversary featured various activities, including a boat race on Lake Kyoga and a three-day free health camp at Bukungu Primary School.
Shillah Gandi, the Kingdom’s Minister for Health, reported that over 5,000 people received free treatment for malaria, HIV/AIDS, cancer screenings, and participated in blood donation efforts, among other services.
