President Yoweri Museveni has directed the newly appointed State Minister for Fisheries, Robert Migadde Ndugwa, to address longstanding challenges affecting the fishing sector in Kalangala District, according to National Resistance Movement (NRM) Buganda Region Vice Chairperson Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo.
Kasolo revealed the President’s directive on Monday while campaigning for Idah Nabayiga, the NRM flag bearer in the forthcoming Kalangala District Woman Member of Parliament by-election.
The mobilization campaign, led by Kasolo alongside NRM Electoral Commission Commissioner Ambassador James Williams Kinobe, began with a strategic briefing of the party campaign task force at Lwabiswa Landing Site in Lwabiswa Village, Bunyama Parish, Bujumba Sub-county on Bubembe Island.
The team later met grassroots mobilizers, NRM leaders, and residents in various parts of Mugoye Sub-county as efforts intensified to rally support for Nabayiga ahead of the June 24 by-election.
Addressing local leaders and residents, Kasolo said government had already taken note of concerns raised by island communities, especially those affecting the fishing industry.
“The President has chosen Minister Robert Migadde to sort out your fishing issues. During the swearing-in ceremony, His Excellency specifically directed him to address all concerns related to mukene fishing and illegal fishing methods,” Kasolo said.
He further disclosed that government was planning improvements to transport services in the island district, revealing that the ferry currently used for transporting oil palm vehicles would be renovated within the next two to three months to also accommodate passengers.
Kasolo assured residents that most of the district’s challenges were manageable, emphasizing the need for committed leadership to ensure effective government intervention.
“The only person who can effectively help solve these problems in the next five years is Nabayiga. We are here to ensure that our people develop,” he said.
The NRM official also urged voters to elect leaders with strong local roots, arguing that homegrown leadership was crucial in championing Kalangala’s interests and development priorities.
Meanwhile, Ambassador Kinobe tasked local party structures with spearheading voter mobilization ahead of the by-election.
“The power to look for votes is vested in you because you live here,” Kinobe told party leaders. “Let us complete the NRM team in Kalangala by electing Nabayiga. This is the right time because we already have two MPs and need a third legislator who will deliver for the people.”
The leaders also highlighted the ruling party’s support to the family of the late Kalangala Woman MP, Hellen Nakimuli. Kasolo said members of the 12th Parliament each contributed Shs500,000 towards the welfare of Nakimuli’s children, with more than Shs280 million reportedly handed over to the family last month.
The June 24 by-election was called following Nakimuli’s death, with Nabayiga seeking to reclaim the seat for the NRM as campaigns enter their final stretch across the island district.
