President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni highlighted the crucial importance of the Marine Brigade in securing Uganda’s water bodies during his speech at the commissioning of a Marine Pier at the Sustainable Base in Ntokoro, Mayuge District. The President emphasized that approximately 20 percent of Uganda’s land is situated along its freshwater borders with Tanzania, Kenya, and Congo, which presents significant security implications.
Praising the capacity of the Marine Brigade’s boats as effective “eyes” on the water, the President revealed plans to enhance surveillance capabilities by implementing surface radars that can monitor the lakes and communicate with the boats. President Museveni urged the Marine officers to study naval warfare history to further strengthen their expertise and preparedness in addressing water security concerns.
During the ceremony, the 3rd Deputy Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Rukia Nakadama, who is also the Mayuge District Woman Member of Parliament, made a request for seedlings to be
provided to farmers in Busoga, similar to the approach taken during the Operation Wealth Creation program. She expressed dissatisfaction with the Parish Development Model (PDM), stating that it hindered the acquisition of seedlings in Busoga. She also appealed to the President for a special intervention in the form of seedling provision for the people of Busoga.
In response, President Museveni explained that the implementation of the PDM was a result of complaints regarding the distribution of seedlings during the Operation Wealth Creation program. The President acknowledged concerns that the seedlings were being distributed among a select few and were both costly and of poor quality. Consequently, the government switched to the PDM approach, whereby beneficiaries were given funds to procure their own seedlings, with each recipient receiving a starting allocation of UGX 1 million.
Prominent figures such as the UPDF leadership, Mayuge district leaders, and religious leaders, among others, also graced the event, underscoring its significance.
As Uganda seeks to safeguard its water resources, President Museveni’s endorsement of the Marine Brigade and his commitment to bolstering the capabilities of water security measures demonstrate the government’s dedication to preserving and protecting the nation’s vital freshwater bodies.
