national 28 March 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Ugandan Fishers Oppose Former Officials in New Fisheries Committees Over Bribery Allegations
Fishers in multiple districts are resisting the inclusion of ex-officials and past BMU leaders in new governance committees, citing corruption, bias, and poor representation amid the shift from the Fisheries Protection Unit to the 155 Battalion Marine Unit. Delays in committee formation are blamed on bribery in district vetting processes, complicating efforts to curb illegal fishing. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/fishers-reject-ex-officials-in-new-committees-amid-bribery-claims-5406382
Fishers in districts including Jinja, Mayuge, Namayingo, Kaliro, Buvuma, Buyende, and Buikwe are pushing back against proposals to include former fisheries officials and Beach Management Unit (BMU) leaders in new committees. They argue these individuals bring corruption risks, favoritism toward elites, and a lack of practical fishing knowledge.
The tension arises during the transition from the Fisheries Protection Unit (FPU) to the 155 Battalion Marine Unit. Anonymous fishers and security members accuse district security committees of dragging out vetting to benefit relatives through bribes. District Fisheries Officers (DFOs) are also faulted for denying boat licenses to those unwilling or unable to pay.
Maj Joseph Ssebukera, commander of the 155 Battalion Marine Unit, confirmed delays but noted deployments at landing sites. Only Kalangala, Buikwe, and Buvuma have active committees for joint operations. Mayuge’s DFO Shara Nakaziba rejected corruption claims, blaming consultations and expecting completion by May.
Local leaders like Kaliro’s Assistant RDC Rogers Kiduma and Jinja’s RCC Richard Gulume Balyaino are addressing complaints through meetings. Fishers such as Johnson Tabule of Old Bridge Landing Site and David Ojambo of Njeru warn that ex-officials could undermine ordinary operators.
AFALU chairman Godfrey Ssenyonga Kambugu highlighted ongoing issues like fish stock depletion from immature catches. This unfolds as President Museveni pushes for seven-year jail terms for illegal fishing, bans on prohibited gear, fisher limits, and shifts to fish farming.
Stakeholders support tougher enforcement but stress transparent committees. Calls grow for specialized courts and better border controls on illegal gear.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)