KAMPALA, Uganda — President Yoweri Museveni has ordered the immediate disbandment of the Fisheries Protection Unit (FPU) and the dissolution of all landing site committees across Uganda’s lakes. The directive, announced on Friday, December 26, 2025, follows persistent public outcry and allegations of extortion, brutality, and intimidation leveled against the unit by fishing communities.
Under the new presidential directive, the FPU has been reconstituted as the 155 Marines Battalion. This new entity will no longer operate as an autonomous unit but will instead fall under the direct command and administration of the UPDF Marines Brigade, led by Brig. Micheal Nyarwa.
Major Joseph Ssebukeera has been appointed as the Commanding Officer of the newly formed battalion. The military maintains that this shift is designed to instill greater discipline and accountability within the ranks of those patrolling the country’s waters.
As part of the shake-up, Lt. Col. Mercy Tukahirwa, who has headed the FPU during a period of intense public scrutiny, has been relieved of her command. She has been reassigned to the office of the Senior Presidential Advisor on Defence and Security (SPADS), currently headed by Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Proscovia Nalweyiso.
Col. Chris Magezi, the Acting Director of Defence Public Information (DDPI), confirmed that the transition is aimed at rectifying systemic issues.
“These changes are intended to improve coordination, accountability, and effectiveness in the management and protection of Uganda’s fisheries resources, while addressing the concerns of local communities,” Col. Magezi stated.
Also Read: Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania eye joint fishing licence for Lake Victoria
The President also targeted the administrative structures at the water’s edge, ordering the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, to immediately dissolve all existing landing site committees. These committees had been accused of operating with “heavy-handed” tactics and lack of transparency.
In their place, new committees will be established within three months. For the first time, these bodies will be mandated to include:
- Indigenous fishing community representatives
- Legitimate investors operating at the landing sites
The reforms come weeks after President Museveni publicly warned against the mistreatment of fishermen during his campaign stops in Ntoroko and Buliisa. He notably ordered the immediate return of seized fishing equipment and warned soldiers of legal consequences for illegal confiscations.
“If the motorcycles, boats, and engines are not there, you should go for the soldiers who were responsible for confiscating them,” the President cautioned during a recent campaign engagement.
The Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, Lt. Gen. Sam Okiding, and the Chief of Defence Intelligence and Security (CDIS), Maj. Gen. Richard Otto, have been tasked with supervising the transition to ensure the new committees are formed fairly and according to the new guidelines.
