The President explains that although many people have asked him to withdraw the soldiers, doing so would open the door for invaders from neighbouring countries, where instability remains high, to return and threaten local communities.
Despite calls by fishermen for President Museveni to recall UPDF soldiers under the Fisheries Protection Unit (FPU) from guarding water bodies over alleged intimidation, President Museveni, who is also the NRM presidential candidate, insisted yesterday that the soldiers will not be withdrawn. While campaigning in Buliisa District on Thursday, the President said the army was deployed on all water bodies to curb illegal fishing and would remain in place.
‘The soldiers will not be taken away from the lake. If we do so, the invaders, because of chaos in DR Congo and Tanzania, will come back.
But this time, these soldiers will not operate independently; they will be supporting our plan. Fishing is one of the pillars of wealth creation, and this is what the NRM brought as our contribution,’ he said. Museveni explained that although many people have asked him to withdraw the soldiers, doing so would open the door for invaders from neighbouring countries, where instability remains high, to return and threaten local communities. He warned that corrupt soldiers operating on the lakes will be punished.
‘I have received numerous reports from districts like Ntoroko, where soldiers have been confiscating motorcycles and immature fish, and threatening anyone who attempts to reclaim their property. These will be dealt with,’ he said.
Fishermen have repeatedly accused FPU soldiers of confiscating nets, boats, and other gear, often on allegations of using substandard equipment, leaving many families struggling. In 2017, Museveni deployed the FPU to combat illegal fishing on Uganda’s major lakes. However, community reports over the years indicate that some soldiers have abused their authority through extortion and brutality. Still, UPDF presence has coincided with a rise in fish stocks over the eight years of enforcement. Museveni directed that all fishermen whose gear was confiscated, boats, nets, and engines, must have their property returned starting today [Friday], without paying any fees.
‘I was in Ntoroko District, and someone told me his two motorcycles were taken when he was intercepted transporting immature fish. When he went back to follow up, he was threatened. I hear that even here, some people’s fishing gear was confiscated. I hereby direct that all these items be returned starting Friday,’ he said.
The President said Maj Gen Daniel Kakono, commander of the Atirary Division, will oversee the handover exercise. He further warned that any soldiers who sold confiscated gear will face consequences, but owners must still be compensated. Museveni blamed declining fish stocks on poor fishing methods, saying the number of fish factories has dropped from 22 to only eight, leading to reduced export earnings.
‘When I came to power, there was no fishing factory. We attracted investors who built 22 factories, but because breeding grounds were tampered with, stocks were depleted and most factories closed. The people of Bugungu did not use bad methods, but invaders from DR Congo depleted the lake.’ He said soldiers were deployed because local communities had been overpowered by armed invaders.
‘When soldiers came, and because fishing was profitable, some became corrupt. For years, I have been calling meetings, asking leaders to identify indigenous fishing families so we can support them and eventually withdraw the army. But leaders always insisted the army should stay because Congolese militia would return.’
Museveni reiterated that the central goal is to save the lakes and restore fish stocks. The President also pledged to meet cultural chiefs from Buliisa and Pakwach districts, who have traditional knowledge of fishing. He said he cannot allow lakes to be depleted under his leadership. He warned of ecological consequences if fish stocks collapse, including oxygen decline due to excessive plankton and increases in mosquitoes and lake flies. Museveni further pledged to create a national fish fund, saying the Parish Development Model fund is too small for fishing communities that require larger capital. He also promised to develop Butiaba Port on Lake Albert to improve Uganda’s connection with DRC.
District challenges
Buliisa District NRM chairperson and area MP Allan Atungonza called on the President to address several challenges facing the district. He said some sub-counties, Biiso, Buliisa, and Butiaba, still lack government-aided schools, forcing learners to walk long distances. On water access, he said the oil and gas developments have increased the population, straining already limited clean water sources. Buliisa lies just 10km from the Nile, yet many communities remain underserved. He appealed for the fast-tracking of piped water extension. The MP requested a Fishers’ Fund to help communities acquire proper fishing gear, invest in fish farming, and receive training to eliminate harmful methods.