By James Alomu 

Serere District : President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has pledged government support to fishermen in Serere District as part of his broader commitment to empowering local communities and eradicating poverty.

While addressing a rally at Serere District headquarters on Monday, President Museveni said his government is determined to economically transform citizens through practical initiatives that directly benefit families at the grassroots.

“I want our people to be economically empowered so that they can chase poverty out of their homes,” the President said, drawing applause from the crowd. “Fishing is one of the key sectors that can lift families out of poverty if well managed and supported.”

Museveni emphasized that the government will continue to provide assistance to fishermen through improved access to modern fishing gear, training on sustainable fishing practices, and establishing value addition projects along the shores of major water bodies. He noted that such interventions are vital for increasing household incomes and strengthening the rural economy.

The President also encouraged residents to take advantage of ongoing government programs such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga to improve their livelihoods. He said these initiatives are designed to empower small-scale entrepreneurs, including fishermen, farmers, and traders, to become self-reliant.

Local leaders in Serere District welcomed the President’s remarks, saying that the fishing community has long faced challenges such as limited equipment, poor market access, and declining fish stocks. They expressed optimism that the renewed government commitment will help address these issues and revitalize the sector.

The visit to Serere District was part of President Museveni’s ongoing engagements with voters across the country ahead of the upcoming general elections, where he continues to emphasize economic empowerment as a cornerstone of his leadership agenda.