In a bold and unprecedented move, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has removed Lt. Col. Mercy Tukahirwa from her position as the commander of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Fisheries Protection Unit (FPU), following explosive revelations of misconduct and corruption within the unit. Sources from the UPDF reveal that the decision was based on findings from an extensive probe, which uncovered troubling practices undermining the unit’s operations.
The investigation, led by Major General Richard Otto, the newly appointed Chief of Defence Intelligence and Security (CDIS), exposed significant mismanagement within the FPU. Intelligence reports suggest that the unit was involved in widespread overfishing and extortion of local fishermen operating along Uganda’s borders with the Democratic Republic of Congo. The fishermen, including those involved in transporting the popular Amakayabo fish, were reportedly subjected to illegal fees without official authorization.
According to military insiders, the FPU amassed substantial sums of money through these illicit activities, which were carried out without any form of financial accountability or oversight. The unit’s operations reportedly operated outside the established command structures, further raising concerns about the integrity of its activities.
In addition to the financial misconduct, Lt. Col. Tukahirwa was accused of consolidating power within Uganda’s fisheries sector, allegedly introducing the slogan “Abavubi Ku Museveni” to gain the loyalty of local fishing communities. She is also said to have orchestrated the formation of landing-site committees, which, over time, became increasingly corrupt and allegedly harassed fellow fishermen.
Following the submission of the investigation’s findings, President Museveni made the decisive move to disband the Fisheries Protection Unit entirely. Its responsibilities and assets have been transferred to the UPDF Marine Forces, under the command of Brigadier Michael Nyarwa. This restructuring is intended to bolster the UPDF’s capacity to combat rising threats from armed groups and pirates operating in the region, particularly from Tanzania and the DRC, with whom the FPU had previously clashed.
Museveni’s reform also extends to the controversial landing-site committees, which are set to be dissolved. The President has directed that these committees be replaced by community-based fishing organizations to restore order and eliminate corruption in Uganda’s fishing industry.
In a surprising development, Lt. Col. Tukahirwa will be reassigned to a new role within the office of Maj. Gen. Proscovia Nalweyiso, where she will continue to focus on political and community mobilization. This marks a significant departure from her previous role, as her influence in the fisheries sector will be sharply curtailed.
Attempts to reach Lt. Col. Tukahirwa for comment were unsuccessful, but acting UPDF spokesperson Col. Chris Magezi confirmed that the Fisheries Protection Unit will now fall under the command of the UPDF Marine Forces, with Lt. Col. Tukahirwa continuing to serve within the unit. However, she will no longer report directly to the Commander-in-Chief, but instead to Brigadier Nyarwa.
This reshuffle is likely to send shockwaves through the UPDF and the wider fisheries community, signaling a strong message from President Museveni about tackling corruption and inefficiency within the military and public sectors.
