President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has ordered the immediate dissolution of all landing site committees across Uganda’s lakes, citing persistent disputes and growing controversy within fishing communities.
The directive, issued through the UPDF leadership, tasks the Chief of Defence Forces and Senior Presidential Advisor for Special Operations, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, to oversee the disbandment and restructuring process.
Under the new arrangement, fresh landing site committees will be constituted within three months. For the first time, the structures will formally include representatives of indigenous fishing communities alongside approved investors, a move government says is intended to improve harmony, accountability, and inclusive management of fisheries resources.
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, will supervise the formation of the new committees.
In a significant security reform, President Museveni has also renamed the Fisheries Protection Unit (FPU) to the 155 Marines Battalion, placing it under the UPDF Marines Brigade command to enhance discipline, accountability, and operational effectiveness on Uganda’s water bodies.
Maj. Joseph Ssebukeera has been appointed Commanding Officer of the newly designated 155 Marines Battalion, serving under Brig. Micheal Nyarwa, the Commander of the UPDF Marines Brigade.
The 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 assume new responsibilities. The UPDF commended her for her service during her tenure.
The directive marks a major administrative and operational shift in fisheries governance and marine security, signaling government’s push toward community inclusion, restructured oversight, and stronger military coordination in the management of Uganda’s lakes.
The communication was issued by Col. Chris Magezi, Acting Director Defence Public Information, Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs/UPDF.
