Buvuma District Woman Member of Parliament, Mugabi Suzan Nakaziba has welcomed government’s decision to dissolve the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Fisheries Protection Unit (FPU), describing the move as a long-overdue relief for fishermen and women who have endured years of harassment on Uganda’s lakes.
Nakaziba said the government’s directive vindicates her sustained advocacy for fishing communities, particularly those on Lake Victoria, who for years have complained of confiscation of boat engines and fishing gear, restrictions on trading in silver fish (mukene), and the blocking of fish maw (maws) trade, all of which crippled livelihoods.
“I am extremely happy that finally, the cries of fishermen and women have been heard. This decision restores hope to thousands of families who depend on fishing for survival,” Nakaziba said, noting that the industry should empower communities rather than benefit a few powerful individuals.
Over the years, Nakaziba has been one of the most vocal MPs defending fishermen against what she described as selective enforcement, extortion and exclusion from government planning. She repeatedly raised concerns in Parliament and public forums, warning that fisheries management had been captured by racketeers at the expense of genuine fishermen.
She also strongly condemned government inaction against illegal fishing practices, arguing that enforcement had been compromised by influential individuals benefiting from the illicit trade, while ordinary fishermen bore the brunt of punishments.
The government ordered the dissolution of the FPU on December 23, following intelligence reports pointing to serious operational breaches within the unit. The directive was issued to top military commanders after a probe led by Major General Richard Otto, the newly appointed Chief of Defence Intelligence and Security (CDIS).
The investigation, codenamed “Fact Finding,” reportedly uncovered widespread mismanagement of fishing operations, unchecked overfishing, and alleged extortion of fishermen operating along Uganda’s lake borders with the Democratic Republic of Congo.
According to senior military sources, some fishermen transporting fish locally known as Amakayabo, believed to originate from the Indian Ocean route, were intercepted and forced to pay money without official UPDF authorization.
“The unit amassed a lot of money from these operations,” one senior source said, adding that the activities were conducted outside established command and financial accountability structures.
The probe further alleged that the FPU command under Lt Col Mercy Tukahirwa had entrenched itself within the fisheries sector, including the introduction of the slogan “Abavubi Ku Museveni” and the formation of landing-site committees that reportedly became untouchable and were accused of harassing fellow fishermen.
Following the submission of Maj Gen Otto’s report, government directed that the Fisheries Protection Unit be disbanded, with its roles and assets reverted to the UPDF Marine Forces under Brigadier Michael Nyarwa. The move is also aimed at strengthening responses to increasing attacks by armed groups and suspected pirates from Tanzania and the DRC.
The government further ordered the immediate removal of landing-site committees, advising that they be replaced by original fishing communities to restore trust and community ownership of lake resources.
Sources revealed that the acting UPDF spokesperson, Col Chris Magezi, confirmed that the Fisheries Protection Unit has been placed under the UPDF Marine Forces command, adding that Lt Col Tukahirwa remains head of the unit but now reports to Brig Gen Nyarwa rather than directly to the Commander-in-Chief.
According to Nakaziba, this decision should mark a turning point in fisheries governance and the government should fully involve fishermen in policy formulation and enforcement.
“Fishing should not be criminalised. Government must work with fishermen, not against them. I will continue pushing to ensure fisheries benefit communities, not a few individuals,” she said.
She added that with proper regulation, inclusion and transparency, the fisheries sector can significantly contribute to household incomes, food security and national development.
