MP Angwech demands fisheries industrial park in Amolatar over strict boat rules

15 July 2026, 9:40 pm

By Sarah Ejang

The Member of Parliament for Kyoga County in Amolatar District, Hon. Angwech Colline, has called on the government to establish a dedicated Fisheries Industrial Park in her constituency.

Speaking during the 10th Sitting of Parliament on Wednesday, 15th July 2026, Hon. Angwech emphasized that national industrialization efforts must align with the unique natural resources and comparative advantages of individual regions.

For Amolatar District, she noted, the primary economic pillar is the fisheries sector.

The lawmaker highlighted the deep socio-economic reliance of local communities on Lake Kyoga, noting that fishing funds basic household needs, medical care, and education.

“For most of us born and raised on the landing sites, our lives revolve around fishing. We fish to send children to school, access medical care, and it is the biggest source of income for our young people,” Hon. Angwech stated on the floor of Parliament.

The MP voiced urgent concern over newly implemented fishing guidelines.

The rules strictly cap the number of permitted boats to just 30 per gazetted landing site.

According to Hon. Angwech, this rapid reduction has abruptly locked out hundreds of licensed fishers.

She revealed that many affected residents had previously sold vital family assets, including land and cattle, to raise the capital required to purchase standardized, compliant fishing gear.

“To complement government efforts in preserving the lake, we need alternative activities that will employ our people,” she urged.

Hon. Angwech petitioned the government to swiftly review the 30-boat-per-site limitation to protect local livelihoods from total collapse.

She maintained that establishing a Fisheries Industrial Park would introduce essential value addition to the local catch, create processing jobs, and successfully offer alternative employment to youth displaced from active fishing.