Fisheries Protection Unit renamed 155 Marines Battalion in UPDF Lakes Security shake-up

Exclusive: Museveni drops Lt. Col. Mercy Tukahirwa as Commander of UPDF Fisheries Protection Unit

Lt Col Mercy Tukahirwa has been sent to Gen Nalweyiso's office

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has ordered the immediate dissolution of all landing site committees on Uganda’s lakes and approved a major reorganisation of the Fisheries Protection Unit (FPU), following persistent controversies surrounding fisheries management, the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has announced.

In a statement posted on Friday morning on X, the Acting Director Defence Public Information, Col Chris Magezi, said the directive was issued by the President in his capacity as Commander-in-Chief of the UPDF, and conveyed to the Chief of Defence Forces and Senior Presidential Advisor for Special Operations (CDF/SPASO), Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba.

According to the statement, the landing site committees were dissolved due to ongoing disputes and complaints from fishing communities across the country. To address the concerns, the government will constitute new landing site committees made up of indigenous fishing community representatives and investors, aimed at promoting inclusivity, accountability and sustainable fisheries management.

Col Magezi said the process of forming the new committees will be overseen by the Deputy Chief of Defence Forces and Inspector General, Lt Gen Sam Okiding, together with the Chief of Defence Intelligence and Security, Maj Gen Richard Otto. The exercise is expected to be completed within three months.

The statement further announced a structural reorganisation of the Fisheries Protection Unit, which has been renamed the 155 Marines Battalion. The new battalion will operate under the command and administration of the UPDF Marines Brigade.

“Major Joseph Ssebukeera has been appointed the Commanding Officer of the newly formed 155 Marines Battalion,” Col Magezi said, adding that the UPDF Marines Brigade remains under the command of Brig Michael Nyarwa.

As part of the changes, Lt Col Mercy Tukahirwa, formerly the commander of the Fisheries Protection Unit, has been reassigned to the Office of the Senior Presidential Advisor on Defence and Security (SPADS), headed by Lt Gen (Rtd) Proscovia Nalweyiso, where she will undertake other duties.

The UPDF spokesperson expressed appreciation for Lt Col Tukahirwa’s service, noting that she had successfully concluded her tour of duty as commander of the Fisheries Protection Unit.

The reforms mark one of the most significant changes to fisheries enforcement structures in recent years and are expected to reshape the management of Uganda’s lake fisheries as authorities seek to address long-standing grievances among fishing communities while strengthening security on the country’s water bodies.