UPDF, MAAIF Complete Fisheries Enforcement Law Training For 56 Personnel

The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), has passed out 56 personnel who completed a three-month orientation course in fisheries enforcement law at the Marine Training School in Kalangalo.

The training was conducted to strengthen fisheries enforcement operations on Uganda’s lakes and enhance the recovery and protection of fish stocks as part of wider efforts to boost fish production and support economic growth. The course follows the recent reorganisation that returned the former Fisheries Protection Unit to the UPDF Marine Brigade.

Speaking at the pass-out ceremony, the Commander of the Marine Brigade, Brigadier General Michael Nyarwa, urged the officers to uphold discipline, teamwork, and strict adherence to standard operating procedures while executing their duties.

Brig Gen Nyarwa drew on the African proverb, “When spiderwebs unite, they can tie a lion,” to highlight the growing need for tighter coordination and collaboration among agencies working on the country’s water bodies. His message underscored a broader push for unified action in safeguarding Uganda’s aquatic resources.

“The ultimate objective of this mission is to focus on reviving the fishing industry, generating government revenue, and creating employment opportunities that can sustainably support the national economy,” he said.

He thanked the President, His Excellency Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for his strategic guidance in safeguarding the fish resource; the Chief of Defence Forces and Senior Presidential Advisor on Special Operations, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba for fostering a constructive command climate; the Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, Lt Gen Sam Okiding and Chief of Defence Intelligence, Maj Gen Richard Otto and Security for instituting fisheries management committees; and the Chief of Joint Staff, Lt Gen Jack Bakasumba and Joint Staff heads for their continued support.

Representing the Commissioner for Fisheries Regulation, Control and Quality Assurance at MAAIF, Mr Alfred Akankwasta called on the officers to apply the skills and knowledge acquired during the training to safeguard aquatic life and improve fish production in the country.

Mr Akankwasta expressed concern over the declining number of fish processing factories, noting that only four remain operational due to shortages of raw materials.

He stressed the need for stronger protection and sustainable management of fish resources to allow the regeneration and recovery of the fishing industry.

The Commandant of the Marine Training School, Col David Kararira, said the trainees had been adequately equipped with the knowledge and skills required to execute their responsibilities effectively.

He, however, reminded them to remain disciplined, noting that they carry the responsibility of representing the country in their operations.

Maj Joseph Sebukera, the Commander of the 155 Battalion, assured the chief guest that the personnel had been thoroughly oriented and were ready to execute their duties in line with the mission objectives.

“All efforts must remain focused on achieving the intended operational goals,” Maj Sebukera said.

The ceremony drew senior staff officers, fisheries‑sector officials, and local council and community leaders from Nakasozi Village, reflecting broad institutional and grassroots support for the event.