The Environment Governance Institute Uganda (EGIU) has urged the government to form a joint Fisheries Protection Committee within 15 days, following President Museveni’s decision to disband the existing unit amid allegations of human rights abuses and impunity.
President Museveni on December 26, 2025, instructed the Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, to oversee the creation of a restructured Fisheries Protection Unit, supervised by Deputy Chief of Defence Forces Gen Sam Okiding and Maj Gen Richard Otto, Chief of Defence Intelligence and Security.
The new committee is intended to replace Lt. Colonel Mercy Tukahirwa, whose tenure drew criticism over controversial operations against fishing communities.
Samuel Okulony, Director of the Environment Governance Institute, welcomed the directive but emphasised the need for swift, transparent action ahead of the January 15 elections.
“We welcome the government’s announcement to disband the Fisheries Protection Unit and all landing site committees on Uganda’s lakes, but this must lead to an end to abuses and genuine community-led decision making,” Okulony said.
“To show that this announcement is not just a pre-election stunt, these committees should be formed within 15 days, not three months.”
EGIU stressed that Uganda’s fishing sector is vital to culture, food security, and livelihoods, supporting more than 1.3 million people and contributing significantly to foreign exchange earnings.
The institute called for representatives from both indigenous fishing communities and investors to be included in the new committee to build trust and transparency.
Okulony reiterated that the restructuring presents an opportunity to safeguard the rights of fishing communities who have relied on Uganda’s lakes for generations.
