President Museveni Unveils Fertilizer Fund, Fish Pond Initiative at Katwe Rally in Mayuge

Mayuge District — President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has announced a new initiative aimed at boosting agricultural productivity and household wealth, pledging government support to large-scale farmers and local communities during a campaign rally held in Katwe, Mayuge District.

Addressing residents alongside First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Museveni, the President said the government will establish a dedicated fund to supply fertilizers to large farmers as part of efforts to modernize agriculture and lift families out of poverty. He further revealed plans to construct fish ponds for communities that cannot afford them, noting that aquaculture remains one of the fastest and most profitable ventures for rural households.

“We shall start a fund to buy fertilizers and we shall also build fish ponds for the communities that cannot afford them. This is to boost production and wealth creation at the household level,” President Museveni said, drawing loud applause from residents.

The President emphasized that wealth creation remains a cornerstone of the NRM’s economic agenda for the 2026–2031 term. He highlighted that fertilizers will help farmers increase yields, while aquaculture infrastructure will provide new income-generating opportunities for families in Mayuge, a district known for fishing but where many lack capital to invest in commercial fish farming.

Museveni stressed that supporting agriculture is key to transforming rural communities, adding that government interventions must be practical, affordable, and directly beneficial to households.

In a deeply emotional moment, President Museveni reflected on his early years of struggle in the area, recounting the turbulent period 52 years ago when he and fellow freedom fighters operated in the forests of Kityerera during the liberation efforts. 

“Fifty-two years ago, I was here but not peacefully. We were in the forests of Kityerera, and we lost many comrades. That is the history and strength of the NRM,” he said.

The President invited the crowd to join him in a moment of silence to honour the fallen comrades who sacrificed their lives during the liberation struggle. He thanked God for enabling him, Maama Janet, and the people of Mayuge to gather in peace—something he described as a testament to the NRM’s success in securing stability for Uganda.

Museveni reiterated that peace remains the foundation upon which Uganda’s development ambitions rest. He urged the people of Mayuge to safeguard the prevailing stability and to use it as an opportunity to grow their incomes and build sustainable livelihoods.

He also encouraged local leaders to mobilize communities to embrace government wealth-creation programs such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Operation Wealth Creation (OWC), noting that the new fertilizer fund and fish pond initiative will complement ongoing efforts.

The rally in Katwe drew thousands of enthusiastic supporters who braved the heat to welcome the President. NRM leaders in the district thanked him for prioritizing agriculture, which remains the backbone of Mayuge’s economy. They pledged to mobilize voters to ensure the party’s continued leadership in the 2026 General Elections.

Residents expressed optimism that the new agricultural interventions will help address persistent challenges such as limited access to farm inputs and capital for aquaculture projects.