AMOLATAR, April 23, 2026 — The 155 Marines Battalion, a specialised unit of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces [UPDF], has cautioned fishermen operating on Lake Kyoga in Amolatar district against engaging in illegal fishing practices.
The 155 Marines Battalion was formed following the restructuring of the Fisheries Protection Unit [FPU], and operates under the UPDF Marines Brigade, to combat illegal fishing, enhance lake management with military support, and strengthen community relations, in line with a presidential directive from President Yoweri Museveni.
The warning against illegal fishing was issued recently by the Deputy UPDF Commander, Lt Gen. Sam Okiding, while addressing fishermen at Kagago Landing Site in Namasale Town Council.
He urged fishing communities to desist from unlawful activities, noting that military enforcement operations on the lake would soon resume.
“We will soon launch renewed operations on the lake to promote sustainable fishing practices and protect fish stocks in Uganda’s waters,” he said, warning that those found fishing in breeding areas, using illegal nets such as kokota, or engaging in silver fish [mukene] fishing using artificial lights would be arrested and could face up to eight years in prison.
Lt Gen Okiding, who was appointed alongside the Chief of Defence Intelligence and Security, Maj Gen Richard Otto, by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to oversee enforcement reforms, also ordered an immediate halt to illegal sand mining in Namasale and other water bodies, citing its harmful environmental impact.
“I also direct that sand mining in Namasale and other water bodies stops with immediate effect,” he said.
Maj Gen Otto cautioned both security personnel and fishermen against corruption that enables illegal fishing, and pledged to dismantle networks involved in the illegal trade of fishing gear and undersized fish.
“Going forward, authorities will use court orders to destroy confiscated illegal fish and fishing gear. This move is aimed at eliminating corruption in the enforcement process,” he said.
Sweeping structural changes announced
UPDF Legal Officer Lt Col Owen Kasimba announced major reforms in the management of fishing activities.
“Under the new arrangements, all Beach Management Units will be disbanded and replaced with new committees at landing site, sub-county, and district levels,” he said.
“Additionally, each landing site will be limited to 100 fishermen and 30 registered boats. All fishermen must also possess and carry valid fishing licences at all times.”
Local leaders speak out
Local leaders, including Namasale Sub-county LCIII Chairperson Rembo Onguu, requested a one-month grace period to allow fishermen to prepare for the new measures. However, Lt Gen Okiding rejected the request, stressing that illegal fishing was already having a severe impact on fish stocks.
Amolatar Deputy Resident District Commissioner Obonyo Magwar urged affected fishermen to consider alternative livelihoods through government programmes such as the Parish Development Model [PDM].
https://thecooperator.news/updf-destroys-illegal-fishing-gear-worth-shs-14bln-in-apac-district/
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