During the ceremony held at the Marines Brigade Headquarters in Butiaba, Lieutenant Colonel Mercy Tukahirwaofficially handed over command to Major Joseph Ssebukeera, who was appointed the new Commanding Officer of the 155 Marines Battalion.
The restructuring follows a presidential directive issued on December 23, 2025, by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the Commander-in-Chief of the UPDF, ordering comprehensive reforms in the management and security of Uganda’s lakes.
The directive aims to strengthen oversight, improve discipline, and address long-standing challenges affecting fishing communities.
Under the reforms, all landing site committees on Uganda’s lakes were dissolved due to persistent controversies and governance challenges. New committees—comprising representatives of indigenous fishing communities and investors—are to be established within three months.
The formation of these committees will be supervised by the Deputy Chief of Defence Forces and Inspector General, Lt Gen Sam Okiding, and the Chief of Defence Intelligence and Security, Maj Gen Richard Otto.
As part of the reforms, the Fisheries Protection Unit was officially renamed the 155 Marines Battalion and placed under the command and administration of the UPDF 15 Marines Brigade, reflecting its expanded mandate and operational responsibilities.
Presiding over the ceremony on behalf of the Commander of the 15 Marines Brigade, Colonel Eliasson Kugumisiriza, the Brigade’s Second-in-Command, underscored the importance of leadership transitions within the military.
“Change is part of military life. As our responsibilities expand, reorganisation becomes inevitable to enable us to meet the new operational demands,” he said.
Col Kugumisiriza commended Lt Col Tukahirwa for her distinguished service as Commander of the Fisheries Protection Unit, praising her efforts in safeguarding Uganda’s water bodies and curbing illegal fishing practices.
“She has served diligently and professionally in protecting our lakes and ensuring discipline in fisheries management,” he said.
In her remarks, Lt Col Mercy Tukahirwa expressed gratitude to the Commander-in-Chief and the UPDF leadership for the opportunity to serve.
“I am grateful to His Excellency the President and the UPDF leadership for entrusting me with this responsibility. I pledge my full support to the new commander to ensure continuity and success,” she said.
The newly appointed Commanding Officer, Major Joseph Ssebukeera, thanked the UPDF leadership for the confidence placed in him and pledged to build upon the achievements of his predecessor.
“I thank the UPDF leadership for this appointment. I commit myself to lead the 155 Marines Battalion with dedication and to consolidate the gains achieved so far,” he said.
The ceremony was attended by senior and junior officers, heads of departments, and other members of the UPDF, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing reforms aimed at enhancing security, governance, and sustainable use of Uganda’s lakes.