Fishing communities in Eastern and Central Buganda have welcomed the deployment of Marine Brigade 155 to Uganda’s water bodies, saying the new arrangement offers hope for improved fish conservation and fairer management of fishing activities.
President Museveni has disbanded the Fisheries Protection Unit (FPU) and formed the 155 Marine Battalion, which will work with committees of local fishing communities and investors, replacing the FPU’s former role. The 155 Marine Battalion will be commanded by Major Joseph Ssebukeera, while the overall UPDF Marines Brigade will be under the command of Brigadier Michael Nyarwa.
The President has tasked the Deputy Chief of Defence Forces and Inspector General (DCDF/IG), Lt General Sam Okiding, together with the Chief of Defence Intelligence and Security (CDIS), Major Gen Richard Otto, to oversee the formation of the new landing site committees within a period of three months.
“We acknowledge that the FPU helped a lot in protecting the lake, but some individuals abused their authority,” said Mr Sadam Olwita, Chairperson of the Association of Fishers and Lake Users of Uganda (Eastern Region). “We hope the new brigade will work more professionally and fairly.”
Mr Olwita noted that the former FPU commanders, including the outgoing commander Lt Col Mercy Tukahirwa, played a significant role in reducing illegal fishing. However, he cautioned fishers not to be overly excited about the changes but instead to become more responsible in their activities.
Fishers expressed gratitude to President Museveni for reviewing fisheries enforcement measures and introducing a system that allows fishing communities to play a more active role in managing their activities under the close supervision of Marine Brigade 155.
The new unit takes over following the conclusion of the FPU’s eight-year mandate to combat illegal fishing. According to fishers, the FPU made significant contributions toward curbing illegal fishing practices and restoring fish stocks.
However, some officers were reportedly influenced by greed, leading to harsh and unfriendly treatment of certain fishers whose livelihoods entirely depend on fishing.
Mr Shafik Kisulumuzo, the area chairperson LC1 of Bwondha landing in Mayuge, said the government should empower fishers with reduced price of fishing gear incentives.
“Marine Brigade 155 will closely monitor illegal activities on the lakes while organized fishing communities handle day-to-day management under strict supervision,” Mr Kisulumuzo said.
Fishers believe that transparent implementation of the new system will protect fish stocks and livelihoods while fostering peaceful coexistence between security forces and fishing communities.
Fishers’ leaders in Eastern and Central Uganda have united under the theme “Abavubi ku Museveni” (Fishermen for Museveni) to campaign for President Museveni in this month’s elections.
Mr Eric Wasajja, a fisher chairperson in Kalangala, said fishers unable to meet fishing requirements will be trained in fish processing and ponding. “We have been told to encourage them to form SACCOs to access the Shs1b per district for fishing activities, helping them generate sustainable income for their families,” said Mr Wasajja.
The move is expected to improve the livelihoods of fishing communities and contribute to the country’s economic growth, given that fish exports are a significant foreign exchange earner for Uganda.
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Uganda exported 185.4 million metric tonnes of fish in 2022, 187.2 million in 2023, and 191.4 million in 2024.