I will remove army from water bodies, restore fishermen’s dignity — Kyagulanyi

NAKASONGOLA - National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu plans to end the deployment of the army on Uganda’s water bodies if elected president.

On Friday, October 10, he alleged that the military’s involvement has caused suffering among fishing communities.

Kyagulanyi made the remarks during a campaign rally at Kalungi in Nakasongola District, where he wrapped up his week-long tour of greater Luweero.

His government, he added, would disband the Fisheries Protection Unit (FPU) under the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), deployed in 2017 to curb illegal fishing and streamline the fisheries sector.

“I am going to bring you back to your lakes.  I will sign an executive order to end the army’s deployment on our lakes. Military operations cannot be a permanent solution. What we need is an organised and self-sustaining fishing industry run by skilled Ugandans,” Kyagulanyi told cheering supporters.  

Whereas the FPU’s deployment has been credited with improving fish stocks and export revenues, it has also been widely criticised for heavy-handedness and brutality. 

During the event, different people reported that several fishermen, particularly on Lake Kyoga, have allegedly been killed or harassed during enforcement operations.

These statements sparked public outrage and calls for the Government to withdraw the soldiers.

Nakaseke South Member of Parliament Semakula Luttamaguzi, who accompanied Kyagulanyi on the campaign trail, accused the government of using the deployment to push locals off their land and water bodies.

“The people of Nakasongola have only one district, but they are being chased away under the guise of building a nuclear plant,” Luttamaguzi claimed. “The same problems facing the Bateso and Baruli are affecting all Ugandans. We all want a country that works for everyone.”

He urged residents to vote for the NUP, adding, "We want to assure you that a new Uganda is possible once we unite for change.”

Luttamaguzi also encouraged residents to remain vigilant and defend their vote in the 2026 elections.

“People of Nakasongola, you have suffered enough,” he said. “Those who have stolen your land will have to return it. On voting day, tick the umbrella. After that, we shall have a new Uganda.”

During the rally, an elderly man, identified as Mzee Mukuba, symbolically handed Kyagulanyi a walking stick, saying it represented the power to lead Uganda out of its current challenges.

“I am giving you this stick to rule this country the way Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt,” the old man said as supporters cheered.