During a recent session of Parliament in Kampala, Honorable Angwech Colline, the Member of Parliament for Kyoga County, issued a powerful and heartfelt plea to the government to prioritize the economic survival of her constituents. She advocated for the immediate establishment of a Fisheries Industrial Park in Amolatar District, arguing that such a facility is essential for adding real value to local products, generating thousands of much-needed jobs, and stabilizing the regional economy.
Speaking on July 15, 2026, the legislator emphasized that the national industrialization strategy must be tailored to the unique strengths and natural resources of each specific region. In Amolatar, fishing is not just an industry; it is the absolute lifeblood of the community. For generations, thousands of households have looked to the waters of Lake Kyoga to fund their children’s education, pay for essential medical care, and provide a viable future for the youth. For many young people in these landing sites, the lake is their only path to a dignified life.
The urgency of this request comes at a time of deep distress for local fishermen. Honorable Angwech pointed out that new government regulations have strictly limited each authorized landing site to only 30 boats. This sudden restriction has left hundreds of legally licensed fishers completely stranded and without a source of income. Many of these individuals made massive personal sacrifices, selling their precious family land and livestock to afford the expensive, standardized equipment required by the state, only to find themselves barred from the water and unable to work.
While the MP expressed support for protecting fish populations and maintaining the health of Lake Kyoga, she insisted that environmental conservation cannot come at the cost of human starvation. She urged the government to implement alternative livelihood programs alongside these restrictions to protect vulnerable families from falling into absolute poverty.
Honorable Angwech maintained that by investing in a dedicated fisheries industrial park, the government can transform the sector from a simple raw-resource industry into a high-value economic powerhouse. This move would not only secure the financial future of Amolatar but also contribute to the broader transformation of the country by balancing environmental protection with the desperate need for household wealth. Now is the time for the government to turn its gaze toward the people of Lake Kyoga and offer them a bridge to economic stability.