By KALANGALA; President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has pledged to restore night ferry operations to and from the Ssese Islands and intensify the fight against crime in Kalangala District, saying improved transport and security are critical to trade, livelihoods and overall development of the island communities.
The President made the commitment while addressing a massive campaign rally at Kibanga Primary School playground in Kalangala on Saturday, where residents raised concerns over limited ferry schedules and persistent crimes on some fishing islands.
“On the issue of ferries, I am told they are few, they operate for only a few hours and they do not move at night. We are going to look into this matter seriously,” Museveni said. “We used to travel at night in the past, even across Lake Victoria. There is no reason why this cannot be addressed.”
He noted that ferries are the economic lifeline of the Ssese Islands, linking residents to the mainland for trade, fishing and social services, and said restoring night operations would ease congestion, reduce costs and stimulate business.
The President was responding to submissions by the NRM Vice Chairperson for the Central Region, Hon. Haruna Kasolo Kyeyune, who told the rally that the limited ferry schedules were slowing down trade and undermining economic activity in Kalangala.
Addressing security concerns, President Museveni said the Ssese Islands have enjoyed relative peace for decades but acknowledged reports of theft and crime.
“This area has not seen war in 40 years, which is a result of the work of the NRM. However, there are issues of theft that we must address seriously,” he said.
On infrastructure, the President noted that the Bugoma–Kalangala road requires upgrading, attributing delays partly to weak advocacy.
“I do not even know your MPs. They have not demanded these roads. I appeal to you to vote for leaders who will work for your needs,” he said.
President Museveni commended residents for embracing palm oil cultivation, describing it as a transformative economic activity.
“When we introduced palm oil, you embraced it and now you are benefiting. Your lives are changing for the better,” he said, encouraging farmers to diversify into cattle keeping and poultry farming.
On fishing, he warned against overharvesting and catching immature fish, adding that the government would review the issue of cage fishing to ensure sustainability.
Kalangala District currently has 23 government primary schools and four government secondary schools across seven sub-counties. The President urged authorities to prioritise ensuring each sub-county first has a primary school before expanding further.
“We hope to have a government secondary school in every parish,” he said.
On water access, President Museveni reported that 79 of the district’s 97 villages now have access to safe water. Ongoing projects include the construction and rehabilitation of piped water systems in Dajje, Kisujju and Buziga, among others.
Emphasising wealth creation, the President urged residents, especially youth, to actively engage in income-generating activities.
“Poverty will welcome you if you do not improve your livelihoods. Do not despair when you see the rich; instead, learn how to benefit from available opportunities,” he said, encouraging youth participation in commercial agriculture, livestock and small businesses.
The President also officially handed over NRM flags to party candidates in Kalangala, endorsing their participation in the upcoming elections.
Haruna Kasolo Kyeyune welcomed the President to Kalangala and praised the local NRM leadership for effective mobilisation from district to village level. He also commended the Uganda People’s Defence Forces Fisheries Protection Unit for fostering cooperation with fishing communities, which he said has improved confidence and security.
Residents raised concerns over persistent cases of theft and murder on some fishing islands, calling for stronger enforcement of security measures and official recognition of law enforcement operations at fishing docks.
Kalangala’s infrastructure needs were further highlighted, with calls for construction of the Bukakata–Bulala road and expansion of ferry services to operate at night.
Museveni further commended residents for embracing palm oil growing, which he described as a transformative project for the island economy, and encouraged farmers to diversify into livestock and poultry. He also warned against destructive fishing practices, urging fishermen to avoid catching immature fish and to protect breeding areas.
On social services, the President pledged continued investment in education, water and health, noting progress made but acknowledging remaining gaps. He reiterated government’s commitment to ensuring every sub-county has a government secondary school and to extending safe water to all villages.
Hon. Kasolo welcomed the President to Kalangala and thanked him for strengthening security on the islands and supporting wealth-creation programmes such as palm oil growing. He called for stronger enforcement against crime and for ferries to operate around the clock to unlock the district’s full economic potential.
NRM Chairperson for Kalangala District, Mr. Gerald Kayita, praised the government for deploying security forces at fishing islands and ferry points, saying the move had restored confidence among fishing communities, though challenges of theft and violence still persist in some areas.
The President later handed over NRM flags to party candidates in the district, formally endorsing them for the forthcoming elections.
The rally was attended by NRM Central Executive Committee members, Members of Parliament, religious and cultural leaders, and thousands of supporters from across the islands.
