UPDF dissolves landing site committees on Museveni’s directive

29 December 2025, 12:14 pm

By Ronald Ssemagonja

President Yoweri Museveni has directed the dissolution of all army committees operating at landing sites across the country following repeated concerns raised by fishermen and lakeside communities. The directive was issued by the President in his capacity as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces while campaigning in fishing communities, where residents appealed for the removal of Lieutenant Mercy Tukahirwa and her team from the lakes.

Acting on the President’s orders, the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, implemented the directive, according to the Acting UPDF Spokesperson, Colonel Chris Magezi. Col. Magezi explained that the decision followed widespread controversies surrounding the operations of the landing site committees and the Fisheries Protection Unit (FPU).

He noted that the existing committees have been dissolved and will be replaced by new structures composed of indigenous fishing community representatives and investors. The Deputy CDF and Inspector General of the UPDF, Lieutenant General Sam Okiding, together with the Chief of Defence Intelligence and Security, Major General Richard Otto, have been tasked to oversee the formation of the new landing site committees. The process is expected to be completed within three months.

Col. Magezi further announced that the Fisheries Protection Unit has been renamed the 155 Marine Battalion and will now operate under the command and administration of the UPDF Marines Brigade. Major Joseph Ssebukerra has been appointed the Commanding Officer of the newly formed battalion. Lieutenant Mercy Tukahirwa has been reassigned to the Office of the Senior Presidential Advisor on Defence and Security.

The move has been welcomed by fishermen, who have long expressed dissatisfaction with the previous arrangements at landing sites.

Meanwhile, as part of efforts to mobilize support for the NRM presidential flag bearer ahead of the 2026 elections, the Chairman of the Youth High Command, Juma Tinyefunza, together with other leaders, including 7 Hills Mentor Salim, launched a door-to-door mobilization campaign in Kampala. Tinyefunza said the initiative aims to rally support for President Museveni across all parts of the city, noting that the President’s acceptance to serve as their patron inspired them to give back through active mobilization.

During the same event, the youth leaders also paid tribute to their late leader, Ibra Ssenyange, who originally conceived the idea of the door-to-door campaign.