In a high-stakes shake-up within the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has ordered the dismissal of Lt. Col. Mercy Tukahirwa from her role as the commander of the Fisheries Protection Unit (FPU), following explosive findings of financial mismanagement and operational misconduct.
This move follows a thorough investigation that revealed deep-rooted corruption within the FPU, prompting immediate reforms.The investigation, which was spearheaded by Major General Richard Otto, the newly appointed Chief of Defence Intelligence and Security (CDIS), exposed a range of illicit activities within the FPU, including widespread extortion of local fishermen.
Sources within the military revealed that fishermen, especially those involved in transporting the popular Amakayabo fish, were forced to pay unauthorized fees to FPU officers along Uganda’s lake borders with the Democratic Republic of Congo.The probe further disclosed that the unit had operated outside established financial oversight structures, accumulating large sums of money through unapproved and illegal practices.
This lack of accountability created an environment of unchecked corruption, which was reportedly encouraged by Lt. Col. Tukahirwa’s leadership.Beyond financial misconduct, Lt. Col. Tukahirwa was also accused of consolidating undue power within the fisheries sector. Allegedly, she popularized the slogan “Abavubi Ku Museveni” to secure the loyalty of local fishing communities. She is said to have facilitated the creation of landing-site committees, which became notorious for harassing fellow fishermen and creating an atmosphere of fear and impunity in the sector.In light of these findings, President Museveni moved decisively to disband the Fisheries Protection Unit, transferring its responsibilities and assets to the UPDF Marine Forces under Brigadier Michael Nyarwa.
This restructuring is seen as a strategic step to enhance Uganda’s ability to respond to rising security threats, including piracy and armed groups operating along the country’s lakes and borders with Tanzania and the DRC.As part of the broader reform, Museveni also ordered the dismantling of the controversial landing-site committees, replacing them with community-led fishing organizations to ensure greater transparency and fairness in the management of Uganda’s fisheries.In an unexpected turn, Lt. Col. Tukahirwa is set to be reassigned to a new role in Maj. Gen. Proscovia Nalweyiso’s office, where she will focus on political and community mobilization efforts. This reappointment is intended to distance her from the fisheries sector, where her influence has been severely curtailed.
While Lt. Col. Tukahirwa did not respond to requests for comment, Col. Chris Magezi, the acting UPDF spokesperson, confirmed that the Fisheries Protection Unit will now be part of the UPDF Marine Forces, under the command of Brigadier Nyarwa. He also confirmed that Tukahirwa will remain with the unit but will now report to Brigadier Nyarwa instead of the Commander-in-Chief, as was previously the case.
This bold move by President Museveni marks a significant attempt to address corruption within the UPDF and Uganda’s fisheries sector, sending a strong message of accountability and reform. It remains to be seen what the long-term impacts will be on both the military and local fishing communities across Uganda.
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