The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) has carried out a major shake-up in the security and management of Uganda’s lakes, formally restructuring the Fisheries Protection Unit (FPU) into the 155 Marines Battalion.
The transition was sealed during a leadership handover ceremony held at the UPDF 15 Marines Brigade headquarters in Butiaba, where Lt Col Mercy Tukahirwa officially handed over command to Maj Joseph Ssebukeera, the new Commanding Officer of the 155 Marines Battalion.
Museveni Orders Wide Reforms on Lakes
The restructuring follows a December 23, 2025 directive from President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the Commander-in-Chief of the UPDF, calling for sweeping reforms in the governance, security, and management of Uganda’s water bodies.
As part of the directive, landing site committees on all lakes were dissolved after long-standing disputes and governance challenges within fishing communities. New committees are expected to be formed within three months, bringing together indigenous fishing communities and investors.
The process will be overseen by the Deputy Chief of Defence Forces and Inspector General, Lt Gen Sam Okiding, together with the Chief of Defence Intelligence and Security, Maj Gen Richard Otto.
Under the reforms, the Fisheries Protection Unit was officially renamed the 155 Marines Battalion and placed under the command and administration of the UPDF 15 Marines Brigade, marking a new chapter in lake security operations.
Presiding over the ceremony on behalf of the Brigade Commander, Col Eliasson Kugumisiriza, the 15 Marines Brigade second-in-command, described leadership transitions as a normal part of military service.
“Change is part of military life. As our responsibilities expand, reorganization becomes inevitable to meet new operational demands,” Col Kugumisiriza said.
Praise for Outgoing Commander
Col Kugumisiriza commended Lt Col Mercy Tukahirwa for her service, crediting her with strengthening discipline and safeguarding Uganda’s water bodies.
“She has served diligently and professionally in protecting our lakes and enforcing discipline in fisheries management,” he noted.
In her farewell remarks, Lt Col Tukahirwa thanked the Commander-in-Chief and UPDF leadership for the trust placed in her.
“I am grateful to His Excellency the President and the UPDF leadership for the opportunity to serve. I pledge my full support to the new commander to ensure continuity and success,” she said.
New Commander Pledges Continuity
Incoming commander Maj Joseph Ssebukeera expressed appreciation for the confidence shown in him and pledged to consolidate gains already made.
“I thank the UPDF leadership for this appointment. I commit to lead the 155 Marines Battalion with dedication and to build on the achievements realized so far,” Maj Ssebukeera said.
The ceremony drew senior and junior UPDF officers, heads of departments, and other personnel, underscoring the significance of the restructuring in Uganda’s evolving lake security framework.
