President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has ordered the dissolution of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Fisheries Protection Unit (FPU) commanded by Lt Col Mercy Tukahirwa following intelligence reports that pointed to serious operational breaches, according to multiple high-ranking military sources.
Sources within the UPDF establishment say the President issued the directive on December 23 to top military commanders, acting on findings from a probe led by Major General Richard Otto, the newly appointed Chief of Defence Intelligence and Security (CDIS), formerly Commandant of Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI).
The investigation, codenamed “Fact Finding,” reportedly uncovered widespread mismanagement of fishing operations, unchecked overfishing, and alleged extortion involving fishermen operating along Uganda’s lake borders with the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Intelligence sources allege that some fishermen transporting fish locally known as Amakayabo, believed to originate from the Indian Ocean route, were intercepted and forced to pay money without official UPDF authorization.
“The unit amassed a lot of money from these operations,” one senior military source claimed, adding that the activities were conducted outside established command and financial accountability structures.
The probe further alleges that Lt Col Tukahirwa had entrenched herself as a powerful figure within Uganda’s fisheries sector, introducing the slogan “Abavubi Ku Museveni” and overseeing the formation of landing-site committees that, according to sources, became untouchable and were accused of harassing fellow fishermen.
Following the submission of Maj Gen Otto’s report, President Museveni reportedly directed that the Fisheries Protection Unit be disbanded, with its roles and assets reverted to the UPDF Marine Forces under Brigadier Michael Nyarwa. The move is also intended to strengthen responses to increasing attacks by armed groups and suspected pirates from Tanzania and the DRC, which have previously clashed with FPU personnel.
Museveni also ordered immediate removal of landing site committees, advising that they be replaced by original fishing communities on the lakes.
Sources further say the President advised that Lt Col Tukahirwa be redeployed to Maj Gen Proscovia Nalweyiso’s office, where she would continue political and community mobilisation duties.
Efforts to obtain a comment from Lt Col Tukahirwa were unsuccessful as she did not respond to repeated phone calls.
However, the acting UPDF spokesperson, Col Chris Magezi, confirmed that the Fisheries Protection Unit had been placed under the UPDF Marine Forces command. He said that Lt Col Tukahirwa still heads the unit, but is now answerable to Brig. Michael Nyarwa, not directly to the Commander-in-Chief as was previously the case.
