Just In: Major Reforms Announced To Restore Order On Lakes, FPU Shaken As Mercy Tukahirwa Steps Out!

By Frank Kamuntu 

According to Colonel Chris Magezi, the Acting Director of Defence Public Information (DDPI) at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs (MODVA), President and Commander-in-Chief of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), H.E. Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, has directed sweeping reforms aimed at strengthening harmony, transparency, and effective management of Uganda’s fisheries sector.

Col. Magezi said that on Friday, December 26, 2025, the President instructed the Chief of Defence Forces and Senior Presidential Advisor for Special Operations (CDF/SPASO), Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, to immediately dissolve all landing sites committees on Uganda’s lakes following persistent concerns and controversies raised by fishing communities over their operations.

According to Chris Magezi, new landing sites committees will be formed and will comprise indigenous fishing community representatives and investors, a move intended to promote inclusivity, restore trust, and improve coordination at the lakes. The Deputy Chief of Defence Forces and Inspector General (DCDF/IG), Lt. Gen. Sam Okiding, together with the Chief of Defence Intelligence and Security (CDIS), Maj. Gen. Richard Otto, have been tasked to oversee the formation of the new committees within three months.

Col. Magezi further explained that the Fisheries Protection Unit (FPU) has been renamed the 155 Marines Battalion and will now operate under the UPDF Marines Brigade to enhance professionalism and efficiency in fisheries protection. Major Joseph Ssebukeera has been appointed the Commanding Officer of the newly established battalion, under the command of Brig. Michael Nyarwa, the UPDF Marines Brigade Commander.

According to the Defence Public Information Office, Lt. Col. Mercy Tukahirwa, the outgoing FPU commander, has been reassigned to the Office of the Senior Presidential Advisor on Defence and Security (SPADS) led by Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Proscovia Nalweyiso, where she will undertake other duties. The UPDF thanked Lt. Col. Tukahirwa for her dedicated service and for successfully concluding her tour of duty.

Col. Magezi noted that the reforms reflect government’s commitment to peaceful lake governance, professional security structures, and protection of fishing communities’ livelihoods, while ensuring sustainable management of Uganda’s fisheries resources.