Relief for L. Albert fishing communities as FPU scales down operations

KIKUUBE - A long-standing rift between Lake Albert’s fishing communities and the Fisheries Protection Unit (FPU) has taken a turn for the better after unit commander Lt. Col. Marcy Tukahirwa ordered easing of enforcement operations. 

The move follows widespread complaints of harassment, exploitation, and insecurity.

Tukahirwa's directive, announced during a high-level security meeting in Kikuube district last week, promises to restore trust and stability for thousands of fishermen whose livelihoods have been strained by years of conflict.

During a meeting at Bugoma landing site, Tukahirwa instructed FPU officers to halt arrests of fishermen, release all seized assets, including boats, nets, engines, and fish and cease detaining community members. 

“For the good of President [Yoweri] Museveni, the flag-bearers and our people, we will relax operations,” she said.

“We have forgiven you. Collect your boats, nets and engines. Let us love one another.”

The move follows months of grievances from fishermen, who cited constant attacks by DR Congo (DRC) militias, extortion by security forces and a lack of alternative income sources. 

The meeting, organised by public service state minister Grace Mugasa, brought together FPU officials, Kikuube district leaders, and representatives of the National Security Mobilisation Task Force to address these issues.

Addressing challenges

Tukahirwa emphasised that President Museveni had promised shillings one billion to boost income opportunities for fishing families and authorised increased deployment of Ugandan soldiers on Lake Albert to combat DRC militias.

“When I met the president, I told him that all the fishermen were for the president and promised to inject shillings one billion for the fishing community for each district, we also told him that DRC militiamen were harassing his fishermen and he order us to deploy on the water to handle these DRC militiamen and soon this is going to be history,” she said.

Lt Con Marcy Tukahirwa (L), the FPU commander, dancing with incumbent Kikuube district Woman MP Natumanya (R) as she prepared to sign on President Yoweri Museveni's poster as they launched all fishermen for Museveni. (Credit: Peter Abaanabasazi)

Mugasa pledged stricter enforcement of illegal fishing gear bans and expanded security presence to protect fishermen. 

“The Government will ensure your safety and economic stability,” she said.

Fishermen’s take

The concessions have galvanised fishermen’s loyalty to the President. 

Silverfish Fishing Association chairperson Robert Jungiera announced a campaign dubbed “All Fishermen for Museveni,” vowing to mobilise voters across the lake’s landing sites. 

“Despite DRC attacks, President Museveni has brought peace,” he said. “When he lifted the ban on mukene fishing after our plea, we knew he listened.”

Local leaders, including Kikuube Woman Member of Parliament Florence Natumanya and district chairperson Peter Banura, praised the FPU’s pivot. 

“As leaders and contestants, we have encountered challenges mostly during our campaigns here at the lake because of unsolved concerns of the fishermen, but your directives, once they are adhered to and implemented, will make it easy for us to canvass votes for the President from these landing sites,” she said.

Kikuube Resident District Commissioner Angalia Godwine urged fishermen to embrace legal practices and avoid future conflicts.