Uganda’s Fisheries Protection Unit (FPU) has vowed to maintain its crackdown on illegal fishing despite rising political pressure ahead of the 2026 general elections, warning that enforcement will not be relaxed to appease vote-seeking politicians.
As campaigns intensify, several politicians representing fishing communities have openly criticised the Unit, accusing it of mistreating fishermen and promising to withdraw it from lakes if elected.
But the FPU insists its mandate is non-negotiable and directed solely by President Museveni.
Speaking to Daily Monitoron Sunday, Lt Lauben Ndifula, the FPU spokesperson, said the Unit operates strictly under a presidential command structure.
‘The leadership and command of the Fisheries Protection Unit come from the President, who is the ultimate decision-maker in our operations. No politician or individual has the power to alter or interfere with our mandate,’ Lt Ndifula said.
He warned that the use of illegal nets, including fishing around breeding areas and smuggling immature fish, continues to endanger Uganda’s aquatic resources.
‘Our enforcement will continue hand-in-hand with sensitization campaigns to protect the fishing industry and secure livelihoods for every Ugandan to benefit from the fishing industry,’ Lt Ndifula said.
He added: ‘We cannot relax operations because politics has taken center stage. Our duty is to protect the nation’s resources, not to serve political interests.’
Another FPU officer cautioned that ‘yielding to political pressure risks undoing years of progress and undermines public trust.’
The statements follow last month’s stakeholders’ meeting at Bwondha Landing Site in Mayuge District, bringing together fishermen, local leaders and FPU officials from Sector One, which covers Jinja, Buikwe, Buvuma, Namayingo, Buyende and parts of Kalangala.
At the meeting, NRM LC5 flag bearer Mr David Zijja urged the FPU to ease enforcement during the election season and allow silverfish (mukene) fishers to use banned nets – a proposal conservationists condemned. Mr Zijja argued that the ruling party could only ‘woo the fishing community to vote for the NRM’ if punishments were relaxed.
Bwondha LCI chairperson Mr Shafik Kisulumozo pressed government to empower fishermen with the Shs1b allocated annually for fishing communities, saying it should be accessed without conditions.
Some FPU members, speaking on condition of anonymity, admitted they are caught between political interference and their duty to protect marine resources.
At the event, 3rd Deputy Prime Minister Ms Lukia Naisanga Nakadama praised the FPU, saying: ‘There has always been good working relations between the fishermen’s leadership and the FPU. What is needed is mutual respect and adherence to the laws.’
FPU Commander Lt Col Mercy Tukahirwa acknowledged the political-season pressure and ordered the return of confiscated engines, motorcycles and fishing gear once owners comply with the law.
Fishermen leaders, including Mr Magidu Mukuffe and Mr Sadam Olwita, called for alternative livelihoods and better infrastructure to reduce dependency on fishing.