The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) has formally restructured the Fisheries Protection Unit (FPU) into the 155 Marines Battalion, marking a major shift in the management and security of Uganda’s lakes.
The restructuring was sealed during a leadership handover ceremony at the UPDF 15 Marines Brigade headquarters in Butiaba, where Lieutenant Colonel Mercy Tukahirwa handed over command to Major Joseph Ssebukeera as the new Commanding Officer of the 155 Marines Battalion.
The changes follow a directive issued on December 23, 2025, by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the Commander-in-Chief of the UPDF, ordering wide-ranging reforms in the governance and security of Uganda’s water bodies.
Under the directive, landing site committees on all lakes were dissolved after persistent disputes and governance challenges within fishing communities.
New committees comprising representatives of indigenous fishing communities and investors are expected to be constituted within three months under the supervision of the Deputy Chief of Defence Forces and Inspector General, Lt Gen Sam Okiding, and the Chief of Defence Intelligence and Security, Maj Gen Richard Otto.
As part of the reforms, the Fisheries Protection Unit was renamed the 155 Marines Battalion and placed under the command and administration of the UPDF 15 Marines Brigade.
Presiding over the ceremony on behalf of the Commander of the 15 Marines Brigade, Colonel Eliasson Kugumisiriza, the Brigade second-in-command said leadership transitions were a normal and necessary aspect of military service.
“Change is part of military life. As our responsibilities expand, reorganization becomes inevitable to enable us to meet the new operational demands,” Col Kugumisiriza said.
He commended the outgoing FPU Commander, Lt Col Mercy Tukahirwa, for her role in safeguarding Uganda’s water bodies and enforcing discipline in fisheries management.
“She has served diligently and professionally in protecting our lakes and ensuring discipline in fisheries management,” he said.
In her remarks, Lt Col Tukahirwa thanked the Commander-in-Chief and the UPDF leadership for the opportunity to serve.
“I am grateful to His Excellency the President and the UPDF leadership for entrusting me with this responsibility. I pledge my full support to the new commander to ensure continuity and success,” she said.
Major Joseph Ssebukeera expressed appreciation for the confidence placed in him and pledged to build on the gains made under his predecessor.
“I thank the UPDF leadership for this appointment. I commit myself to lead the 155 Marines Battalion with dedication and to consolidate the gains achieved so far,” Maj Ssebukeera said.
The ceremony was attended by senior and junior officers, heads of departments, and other members of the UPDF.
