Africa-Press – Uganda. The Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, has called on fishermen in Buvuma Islands to stop engaging in risky lifestyles and instead safeguard their health and plan for the future.
Speaking at Kasaali B landing site, where he met fishermen to discuss efforts to reduce the spread of HIV/Aids, Mayiga warned against careless spending and unsafe sexual practices.
He said, “When fishermen earn money from fishing, many spend it on commercial sex workers, and a number of them refuse to use condoms, which has led to the spread of HIV.”
Mayiga added, “This is carelessness, because condoms are available and they help protect against the disease. You must value your lives and think about your future.”
Dr. Steven Watiti from the Uganda AIDS Commission noted that fear of testing remains a major challenge in the fight against HIV.
He said, “Fear of HIV testing has greatly contributed to the continued spread of the virus. People should come out, test, and know their HIV status so they can take the necessary steps.”
The Minister for Agriculture, Animal Industry, Fisheries and Cooperatives in Buganda Kingdom, Hajji Amisi Kakomo, encouraged fishermen to diversify their sources of income.
He said, “Fishermen should form cooperative groups so they can access financial support and invest in other activities such as agriculture.”
Meanwhile, Buvuma County Chief Mbuubi Michael Mboowa informed the Katikkiro that residents are working to improve coffee quality through irrigation and better processing methods.
At Majjo, the Minister for Cabinet in Buganda Kingdom, Noah Kiyimba, visited the farm of Agnes Nassuuna and emphasized sustainable land management.
He said, “It is important to follow the traditional principles of land conservation used by our forefathers so that the soil remains productive.”
Farmers including Agnes Nassuuna and Silive Wasswa appealed to the Buganda Kingdom to establish an agricultural inputs shop in Buvuma to reduce the cost and inconvenience of traveling to Kampala for farm supplies.
