While on his presidential campaign in Buliisa Town Council Grounds-Bunyoro sub region on Thursday 11th December, president Museveni also the Commander of the Armed Forces (CiC) revealed that when he was in Ntoroko district, he was informed by someone that his motorcycles were taken away when he was intercepted transporting immature fish.
According to the president, when that person went back to follow up, he was instead threatened. Gen. Museveni noted that he had received numerous reports from districts like Ntoroko where soldiers have been confiscating motorcycles, immature fish and threatening any one attempting to reclaim the property, saying they will be dealt with.
It is on that premise that he ordered for the return of all confiscated fishing gears; boats, nets and engines by the military to the fishermen across the country with effect from Friday 12th, relying on what he called continuous complaints from some of the fishermen.
Museveni further warned that any soldier who sold confiscated gear would face consequences but owners would still be compensated, directing Maj Gen Daniel Kakono the commander of the UPDF Artillery Division to oversee the handover process.
The head of state however told the campaign gathering that he was not ready to withdraw the army from Lakes as he was being requested, explaining removing them would expose the country to the risks of invasion from DR Congo militia and chaotic Tanzania.
UPDF Response.
To add fresh on the bone, the acting UPDF acting Director Defence Public Information (DDPI) Colonel Chris Magezi confirmed in the statement dated Friday, December 26, 2025, that the CiC Gen Museveni had directed the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, to immediately dissolve landing sites committees on all the Lakes in Uganda on account of the controversies surrounding them among the fishermen.
Col. Magezi stated that new committees comprised of indigenous fishing communities and investor representatives will be formed to replace them.
The statement went on to confirm that the Deputy CDF and Inspector General Lt. Gen Sam Okiding and the Chief of Defence Intelligence and Security (CDIS), Maj Gen Richard Otto were tasked with overseeing the formation of the new landing sites committees, under the exercise that would last for three months.
The army spokesperson further explained that the Fisheries Protection Unit (FPU) renamed the 155 Marines Battalion, working under the command and administration of the UPDF Marines Brigade commander Brig. Michael Nyarwa with Maj Joseph Ssebukeera as a Commanding Officer.
He finally stated that Lt. Col Mercy Tukahirwa formally commander of the FPU was reassigned to the office of the Senior Presidential Advisor on Defence and Security, Lt Gen Proscovia Nalweyiso.
Fact Check by Blazer News Times.
Basing on part of Col Magezi’s statement, some media reports had indicated that a directive for dissolution of the landing sites committees on all the Lakes in Uganda was issued, before taking into account that the new committees comprised of indigenous fishing communities and investor representatives will be formed to replace them, under the supervision of the rebranded 155 Marines Battalion.
This therefore, simply confirm that the marine military operations were not frozen in any way other than being given a new life. Both the CiC statement and the army spokesperson’s, suggest to say that despite the operational challenges, the military presence on Lakes is not about to be withdrawn.
