AMOLATAR, UGANDA – Deputy Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Obonyo Magwar has launched a decisive two-pronged approach to rescue Amolatar District from a looming socio-economic catastrophe, initiating a high-level petition to the President while simultaneously mobilizing local farmers to adopt drought-resistant crops.
The intervention comes as the district reels from the combined effects of an extreme drought and an indefinite ban on silverfish (mukene) trapping. The indefinite ban on silverfish trapping was earlier explained by the Deputy Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) as arising from the rampant use of illegal fishing gear.
In a letter dated September 29, 2026, addressed to the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), Magwar formally requested support for a proposal to be submitted to His Excellency the President. The proposal seeks a review of the indefinite ban on mukene trapping and the suspension of cattle transportation through Lake Kyoga to Amolatar via the ferry.
Magwar argues that the current restrictions have crippled the local economy. The suspension of the ferry has forced local businessmen to use the expensive long route through Kampala via Soroti, costing an additional UGX 250,000 to transport a single animal. This, he noted, has severely disrupted the cattle stock improvement trade, particularly the drive for modern dairy farming in Amolatar.
To strengthen the petition, Magwar has directed the CAO to include verifiable data in the ongoing proposal, detailing the number of women and traders rendered unemployed by the collapse of the mukene value chain, the auxiliary businesses rendered ineffective (such as poultry and animal feeds), and the monthly revenue lost by the district.
“The Deputy RDC advised that without timely Presidential clemency on the crisis, the district and other parts of northern Uganda face a looming catastrophe,” the document stated, emphasizing the urgent need for intervention through line agencies.
Speaking in an exclusive interview on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, Magwar emphasized that elected leaders must proactively guide communities toward practical solutions rather than merely highlighting problems.
To combat the extreme drought that devastated short-term crops like simsim, Magwar urged farmers not to lose hope. He recommended a diverse portfolio of drought-resistant and high-value crops, including sunflower, pumpkins (noted for their nutrient and cost value), the hibiscus herbal plant (providing vegetables and alternative herbal needs), sukuma wiki, and improved drought-resistant passion fruits. He also encouraged the planting of other short-term vegetables like white peas (boyo). Furthermore, Magwar advised farmers to plant coffee, explaining that once mature, it resists drought due to the shade covers around it while providing income from harvests. He further advised farmers to acquire better poultry breeds and find local ways of intense feeding for better weight and prices.
To translate this guidance into action, the Deputy RDC has initiated a community sensitization drive. The meeting aims to promote domestic income development and unity in response to “escalating poverty levels made worse by idleness, laxity in community-led leadership, and the drought.”
Magwar has directed a wide array of local leaders to mobilize residents, including LC1, LC2, and LC3 Chairmen, NRM leaders, Parish Chiefs, Community Development Officers (CDOs), OC of Police Post, GISOs, alongside cultural and religious leaders.
In a related development, the Archbishop of the Province of Church of Uganda, His Grace Rev. Dr. Kazimba Mugalu, on a recent pastoral visit, encouraged the people of Amolatar to be confident in the potential of their land. Stressing that being at the centre of Uganda, he said, “you are at the gateway to heaven,” referring to the immense benefits one can get if they utilized the resources in Amolatar well.
