Kioga county MP calls for fisheries industrial park and review of fishing regulations

16 July 2026, 7:35 pm

By Baker Okello

The Kyoga County Member of Parliament, Hon. Angwech Colline, has urged the government to establish a fisheries industrial park in Amolatar District to promote value addition, create employment opportunities, and strengthen the fishing industry.

Hon. Angwech made the appeal during the 10th sitting of Parliament yesterday, while contributing to the debate on issues arising from President Yoweri Museveni’s recent State of the Nation Address.

The legislator argued that as the government advances its agenda of commercial agriculture and industrialization, it should take into account the unique economic activities, natural resources, and comparative advantages of different regions when planning development projects.

She noted that fishing remains the backbone of livelihoods for many communities in Amolatar District, where generations have grown up at landing sites and rely on the sector as their primary source of income. According to the MP, the industry supports household incomes, enables families to educate their children, access healthcare services, and provides employment for many young people.

Hon. Angwech also appealed to the government to urgently review the recently introduced fishing regulations, which limit each gazetted landing site to only 30 boats. She said the policy has left hundreds of licensed fishermen without work, despite many having invested heavily by selling land and livestock to purchase fishing gear, pay registration fees, and acquire operating licenses.

While commending the government’s efforts to protect fish stocks and conserve water resources, the MP emphasized the need to balance conservation with the livelihoods of fishing communities. She called for the introduction of alternative income-generating activities and investments in fisheries-related enterprises to create employment opportunities, particularly for young people affected by the new regulations.