UPDF Marines Formalises Restructuring of Fisheries Protection Unit into 155 Marines Battalion

The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) 15 Marines Brigade, held a leadership transition, formalising the restructuring of the Fisheries Protection Unit into the 155 Marines Battalion. During the ceremony, Lt Col Tukahirwa handed over command to Major Joseph Ssebukeera, who was appointed as the new Commanding Officer of the 155 Marines Battalion.

The transition comes in the wake of a presidential directive issued on December 23, 2025, by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the Commander-in-Chief of the UPDF, ordering wide-ranging reforms in the management and security of Uganda’s lakes. Under the directive, landing site committees on all lakes were dissolved due to persistent controversies among fishing communities.

New committees comprising indigenous fishing communities and investor representatives are to be formed 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 FPU was renamed the 155 Marines Battalion and placed under the command and administration of the UPDF 15 Marines Brigade.

Presiding over the ceremony at the Marines Brigade Headquarters in Butiaba on behalf of the Commander of the 15 Marines Brigade, Colonel Eliasson Kugumisiriza, the Brigade second-in-command, said that leadership changes are 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 praised the outgoing Fisheries Protection Unit (FPU) Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Mercy Tukahirwa, for her contribution to safeguarding Uganda’s water bodies and curbing illegal fishing.

“She has served diligently and professionally in protecting our lakes and ensuring discipline in fisheries management,” he added.

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 Ssebukera expressed appreciation for the confidence placed in him and pledged to build on the foundation laid by 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 Ssebukera said.

The ceremony was attended by senior and junior officers, heads of departments, among others.