Museveni Dissolves Landing Sites Committees, Renames Fisheries Protection Unit

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, who is also the Commander-In-Chief of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), has ordered the immediate dissolution of all landing sites committees on Uganda’s lakes following persistent controversies involving fishermen.

According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs (MODVA), the President directed the Chief of Defence Forces and Senior Presidential Advisor for Special Operations (CDF/SPASO), General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, to implement the decision with immediate effect.

New landing sites committees will be constituted to replace the dissolved structures.

These committees will include representatives from indigenous fishing communities and investors in the fisheries sector, with the aim of improving harmony, accountability, and effective management at the landing sites.

The Deputy Chief of Defence Forces and Inspector General (DCDF/IG), Lieutenant General Sam Okiding, together with the Chief of Defence Intelligence and Security (CDIS), Major General Richard Otto, have been tasked with overseeing the formation of the new committees.

The process is expected to be completed within three months

In a related development, the Fisheries Protection Unit (FPU) has been officially renamed the 155 Marines Battalion.

The unit will now operate under the command and administration of the UPDF Marines Brigade. Major Joseph Ssebukeera has been appointed the Commanding Officer of the newly established battalion, while Brigadier Micheal Nyarwa remains the Commander of the UPDF Marines Brigade.

Meanwhile, Lieutenant Colonel Mercy Tukahirwa, formerly the commander of the FPU, has been reassigned to the Office of the Senior Presidential Advisor on Defence and Security (SPADS), headed by Lieutenant General (Retired) Proscovia Nalweyiso.

She will undertake other duties as assigned.
The UPDF thanked Lieutenant Colonel Tukahirwa for successfully concluding her tour of duty as commander of the Fisheries Protection Unit.

The statement was signed by Colonel Chris Magezi, Acting Director of Defence Public Information (DDPI), on behalf of MODVA and the UPDF.