Following the withdrawal of the Fisheries Protection Unit (FPU) from Uganda’s water bodies on the directive of President Yoweri Museveni, authorities in Mityana District say the anticipated replacement security deployment has not yet reached Lake Wamala, leaving local fisheries officials struggling to safeguard the resource.
The FPU, which had been commanded by Lt Col Mercy Tukahirwa, was replaced by the 115 Marine Brigade under the leadership of Adande Sserukeera.
However, district officials say the new unit is yet to deploy to Lake Wamala, creating a gap in enforcement against illegal fishing practices.
The Mityana District Fisheries Officer, Elijah Kabachwezi Ssennyonjo, said in the absence of a strong enforcement presence, the district has shifted its focus to community sensitization to encourage fishermen to take responsibility for protecting the lake.
“We have now resorted to sensitizing the fishing communities to protect the lake themselves, but this approach is constrained by limited resources,” Kabachwezi said.
He noted that the department faces logistical challenges, including inadequate transport, limited funding, and insufficient personnel to effectively monitor activities on the water.
District authorities warn that without adequate support and enforcement, illegal fishing methods could increase, threatening fish stocks and the livelihoods of communities that depend on the lake.
Officials are now calling for additional government support and faster deployment of the marine security team to strengthen conservation efforts and ensure the sustainable management of Lake Wamala.
