President and Commander-in-Chief of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, has directed the immediate dissolution of landing site committees on all lakes across the country, citing increasing controversies and disputes among fishing communities.
In a directive issued through the UPDF leadership, the President instructed the Chief of Defence Forces and Senior Presidential Advisor for Special Operations, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, to oversee the disbandment process. New committees will be constituted to replace the dissolved structures, and will, for the first time, include representatives from indigenous fishing communities alongside approved investors.
Deputy Chief of Defence Forces and Inspector General, Lt. Gen. Sam Okiding, together with Chief of Defence Intelligence and Security, Maj. Gen. Richard Otto, have been assigned to supervise the formation of the new committees. The restructuring exercise is expected to be completed within three months.
In a related development, the President has renamed the Fisheries Protection Unit (FPU) to the 155 Marines Battalion, placing it under the UPDF Marines Brigade command. The unit will now operate within the formal Marines structure to strengthen discipline, accountability, and operational effectiveness on Uganda’s water bodies.
Maj. Joseph Ssebukeera has been appointed Commanding Officer of the 155 Marines Battalion, working under Brig. Micheal Nyarwa, the Commander of the UPDF Marines Brigade.
Former FPU commander, Lt. Col. Mercy Tukahirwa, has been reassigned to the office of the Senior Presidential Advisor on Defence and Security, Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Proscovia Nalweyiso, where she will take on new responsibilities. The UPDF has expressed appreciation for her service during her command.
The directive signifies a major administrative and operational shift in Uganda’s fisheries management and marine security framework, with government emphasizing community inclusion, better management structures, and strengthened military oversight.
The communication was issued by Col. Chris Magezi, Acting Director Defence Public Information, Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs/UPDF.
