President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has ordered the immediate dissolution of all landing site committees on Uganda’s lakes, citing persistent controversies and complaints from fishing communities.
In a directive issued on Friday, the President and Commander-In-Chief of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) instructed the Chief of Defence Forces and Senior Presidential Advisor for Special Operations, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, to implement the decision with immediate effect.
According to a statement released by the Acting Director of Defence Public Information, Col Chris Magezi, the dissolved committees will be replaced by new structures composed of representatives from indigenous fishing communities and investors operating at the landing sites.
The Deputy Chief of Defence Forces and Inspector General, Lt Gen Sam Okiding, together with the Chief of Defence Intelligence and Security, Maj Gen Richard Otto, have been tasked to supervise the formation of the new committees. The process is expected to be completed within three months.
In a separate but related development, the Fisheries Protection Unit (FPU) has been renamed the 155 Marines Battalion and placed under the command and administration of the UPDF Marines Brigade.
Maj Joseph Ssebukeera has been appointed the Commanding Officer of the newly established battalion, while Brig Micheal Nyarwa remains the Commander of the UPDF Marines Brigade.
Meanwhile, Lt Col Mercy Tukahirwa, who has been serving as the commander of the Fisheries Protection Unit, has been reassigned to the Office of the Senior Presidential Advisor on Defence and Security (SPADS), Lt Gen (Rtd) Proscovia Nalweyiso, where she will undertake new responsibilities.
The restructuring comes amid long-standing tensions and disputes at landing sites across the country, with fishermen frequently raising concerns over management, enforcement practices, and access to livelihoods on Uganda’s lakes.
