KIKUUBE, November 21, 2025 — Lt Col Mercy Tukahirwa, Commander of the Fisheries Protection Unit [FPU], has directed officers deployed on Lake Albert to scale back enforcement operations against illegal fishing, following complaints from fishermen about harassment and the lack of alternative livelihoods.
The UPDF officer issued the directive during a recent security meeting convened by the State Minister for Public Service, Grace Mugasa. The meeting brought together members of the fishing community, FPU officials, Kikuube district leaders, senior members of the National Security Mobilisation Task Force for the Bunyoro cluster, and regional and district police commanders. It aimed to address key challenges affecting fishing communities along the Lake Albert shoreline.
Held recently at Bugoma Landing Site in Buhuka Parish, Kikuube District, the meeting was attended by Kikuube Cluster Head, Brig Gen Tingira Irumba Ateenyi, Kagadi Cluster Head Col. Bagonza, Kikuube Woman MP Florence Natumanya, Kikuube district LCV Chairperson, Peter Banura, and Buhaguzi County Member of Parlaiment, Francis Kazini, among others.
Tukahirwa noted that she had instructed FPU personnel to stop arresting local fishermen. She further ordered the release of all impounded fishing gear, including nets, boats, motorcycles, fish and boat engines, as well as the release of all detained fishermen.
“For the good of President Museveni, for the good of the NRM flag-bearers and for the good of our people, let us ease our operations, because you need security,” she said.
Addressing concerns over attacks by Congolese armed groups, she said her office had forwarded fishermen’s complaints to President Museveni, who subsequently authorised the UPDF to deploy additional personnel on Lake Albert, whose waters are shared by Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Tukahirwa also informed the fishermen that Museveni had approved a fund of Shs1 billion to support them in improving household incomes.
Minister Mugasa assured the fishing community that the government is committed to resolving all their concerns. She added that measures would be introduced to curb the influx of illegal fishing gear into the country and strengthen the fight against illegal fishing practices.
MP Natumanya, and Banura welcomed the directive to ease operations, saying it would help restore peace and stability on the lake.
“As leaders and candidates, we have faced challenges during our campaigns at the landing sites due to the unresolved issues affecting fishermen. Your directives, once respected and implemented, will make it easier for us to canvass for votes in these communities,” they said.
Fishermen vow to support Museveni
Robert Jungiera, chairperson of the Silverfish Fishing Association, which brings together fishermen from all districts bordering Lake Albert, said that fishermen are ready to support President Museveni in the forthcoming presidential election, scheduled for January 15, 2026, because “he is a listening leader.”
Fishing on Lake Albert is a significant economic activity, especially for the Nile Perch, though the fishery is increasingly dominated by smaller species like Neobola bredoi and Brycinus nurse. Fishing can be done from both boats and shores, but it requires permits, adherence to fishing regulations, and can be impacted by community-specific issues like illegal gear and security concerns. Night fishing is a popular practice, with fishermen lighting up the lake to attract fish.
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