Kasese fishermen warn of illegal fishing surge since FPU disbandment

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Since December 2025, Uganda's Fisheries Protection Unit (FPU) was disbanded and restructured into the 155th Marines Battalion under the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) Marines Brigade.

The new unit is tasked with strengthening discipline, reducing illegal fishing, and improving relations with local communities.

The shift was intended to move away from heavy-handed enforcement towards a more structured, inclusive approach to managing water resources, focusing on sustainable practices and rebuilding public trust.

Some of the confiscated illegal fishing boats at of Kasese District Kayanja landing site on Lake Edward in Kyakiyumbu Sub-county. (Photo by Samuel Amanyire)

However, following the withdrawal of the FPU, prominent fishermen and community leaders across Kasese-based water bodies, including Lakes George, Edward, and the Kazinga Channel, have raised concerns over rising illegal fishing activities.

Speaking to New Vision on April 8, 2026, at Kazinga Channel, Lake Katwe sub-county in Kasese district, Musa Masudi, former fishermen chairperson for Katunguru landing site, said local efforts to curb illegal fishing have so far produced limited results.

"We have set up regulations including desisting from the usage of illegal gears, but our own children violate them with a mind that we cannot pin them for their irregularities," Masudi said.

"That's how they have continued to use small-sized boats, illegal fishing nets like monofilament, but also recklessly encroach on breeding zones," he added.

Musa Masudi, the former Chairperson of Katunguru landing site attributing the overwelming illegal fishing activities to goverment's decision to withdrawal FPU. (Photo by Samuel Amanyire)

William Sunday, a prominent fisherman in his 60s from Kasenyi landing site, expressed concern over the severe depletion of certain fish species, particularly tilapia in Lake George, which is in high demand and crucial for local livelihoods.

"Fishing is entirely my only source of livelihood. Wrong elements who fish with unrecommended nets and boats deplete the lake, resulting in little catches," Sunday said.

Wilson Asiimwe, chairperson LCIII of Lake Katwe subcounty, which encompasses Lakes George and Kazinga Channel, reported that illegal fishing activities, including the use of small boats and nets, not only deplete fish stocks but also result in loss of life.

Wilson Asiimwe, the Lake Katwe LC3 chairperson said there is a need to introduce marine Police equiped with speed boats on every landing site to curb illegal fishing activities. (Photo by Samuel Amanyire)

"We have lost several lives because such boats are easily pushed by hippos and crocodiles ending up capsizing, hence causing instant deaths to the occupants," Asiimwe said.

He appealed to the government of Uganda to consider deploying marine police at all landing sites to curb illegal fishing.

"This will help us in enforcing conservation laws but also quickly retrieve bodies of those who drown," he said.