Norbert Mao Calls for Withdrawal of Fisheries Protection Unit Soldiers from Water Bodies

Justice Minister Norbert Mao has recommended the removal of soldiers associated with the Fisheries Protection Unit from all water bodies in response to a petition from fish maw traders associations. The traders accuse the soldiers of the unit of engaging in torture and brutal arrests.

Minister Mao, speaking on Thursday, January 31, 2024, attributed the complaints to the presence and deployment of soldiers who lack proper training in dealing with civilians. He suggested that the Ministry of Agriculture draft a regulation in accordance with the Fisheries and Aquaculture Act of 2023, replacing soldiers with officers from the Uganda Police Force.

Addressing concerns about compensating victims of torture, Mao promised to engage with the association and raise the matter with the human rights desk in his ministry to find an appropriate solution.