President and Commander-in-Chief of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (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 all landing site committees on Uganda’s lakes.
The decision follows persistent controversies and complaints from fishermen regarding the operations of the committees. In their place, new committees comprising representatives of indigenous fishing communities and investors will be established.
The Deputy Chief of Defence Forces and Inspector General (DCDF/IG), Lieutenant General Sam Okiding, together with the Chief of Defence Intelligence and Security (CDIS), Major General Richard Otto, have been tasked with overseeing the formation of the new landing site committees.
The exercise is expected to be completed within three months.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Acting Director of Defence Public Information, Colonel Chris Magezi, announced that the Fisheries Protection Unit (FPU) 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, while Brigadier Michael Nyarwa remains the Commander of the UPDF Marines Brigade.
Colonel Magezi further revealed that Lieutenant Colonel Mercy Tukahirwa, formerly the Commander of the FPU, has been reassigned to the Office of the Senior Presidential Advisor on Defence and Security (SPADS), Lieutenant General (Rtd) Proscovia Nalweyiso, where she will undertake other duties.
He commended Lieutenant Colonel Tukahirwa for successfully concluding her tour of duty as commander of the Fisheries Protection Unit.
