In a landmark directive, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the Commander-in-Chief of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), has ordered the immediate dissolution of all landing site committees across Uganda’s lakes, citing ongoing controversies and complaints from fishing communities.

According to a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter) by Colonel Chris Magezi, Acting Director of Defence Public Information, the President instructed the Chief of Defence Forces and Senior Presidential Advisor for Special Operations, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, to oversee the immediate disbandment of the committees. The move is aimed at addressing longstanding issues reported by fishermen. “HE the President and Commander-In-Chief of the UPDF, General Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has directed the Chief of Defence Forces and Senior Presidential Advisor for Special Operations (CDF/SPASO), General Muhoozi Kainerugaba to immediately dissolve landing sites committees on all the lakes in Uganda on account of the controversies surrounding them among the fishermen. New committees comprised of indigenous fishing communities and investor representatives will be formed to replace them,” the tweet read.

The President has tasked Lieutenant General Sam Okiding, Deputy Chief of Defence Forces and Inspector General (DCDF/IG), and Major General Richard Otto, Chief of Defence Intelligence and Security (CDIS), with supervising the formation of new landing site committees. The restructuring exercise is expected to conclude within three months, ensuring inclusive representation of local fishing communities and investors.

In a major overhaul of Uganda’s maritime enforcement, the Fisheries Protection Unit (FPU) has been renamed the 155 Marines Battalion. This newly structured unit will operate under the UPDF Marines Brigade, commanded by Brigadier Michael Nyarwa, with Major Joseph Ssebukeera appointed as the Commanding Officer of the 155 Marines Battalion. “The Fisheries Protection Unit (FPU) is hereby renamed the 155 Marines Battalion and will work under the command and administration of the UPDF Marines Brigade. Major Joseph Ssebukeera is appointed the Commanding Officer of the newly formed 155 Marines Battalion. The commander UPDF Marines Brigade is Brigadier Micheal Nyarwa,” the statement added.

Additionally, Lieutenant Colonel Mercy Tukahirwa, formerly of the FPU, has been reassigned to the Office of the Senior Presidential Advisor on Defence and Security (SPADS), Lieutenant General (Retired) Proscovia Nalweyiso, where she will undertake new duties. The UPDF acknowledged her contributions in successfully concluding her tenure as the outgoing FPU commander. “We thank Lieutenant Colonel Tukahirwa for successfully concluding her tour of duty as the outgoing commander of the FPU,” Colonel Magezi concluded.

This directive is part of President Museveni’s broader reforms to enhance accountability, transparency, and community participation in the management of Uganda’s fisheries and maritime security.