By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
KAMPALA
The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) has demanded the withdrawal of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) from fishing activities on the country’s lakes, accusing the army of fostering corruption instead of protecting the blue economy.
Speaking during the party’s weekly press conference at the party headquarters in Najjanankumbi, Kampala, FDC spokesperson John Kikonyogo said fishermen were once able to regulate themselves before the government militarised the sector.
“Another issue which is very important to us is fisheries and the blue economy. Fishermen used to control themselves. There was nothing like catching young fish. But when you bring the army, instead of helping people grow fish, they are engaged in corruption. These are some of the things we are going to remove. The army should get off the lake,” Kikonyogo said.
The UPDF has since 2017 maintained a strong presence on lakes such as Victoria, Kyoga and Albert, under the Fisheries Protection Unit (FPU), with a mandate to curb illegal fishing and streamlining the fishing industry. While government has credited the deployment with restoring dwindling fish stocks, fishermen have persistently accused soldiers of extortion, brutality and unfair enforcement.
Kikonyogo said an FDC-led government would instead empower fishing communities through education and modern fish processing. “People who use the lake and gain out of it should be educated on what to do. I’m sure they will manage the fish industry better,” he added.
His remarks were made as he highlighted key aspects of the FDC’s 2026 election manifesto, which the party launched last Wednesday. The manifesto, according to party officials, focuses on restoring democratic governance, revitalising the economy, creating jobs, reforming education and health sectors, and addressing corruption.
The fisheries pledge falls under the broader “Blue Economy” agenda, aimed at harnessing Uganda’s vast water resources for sustainable development while cutting out what the party calls “exploitative military interference.”
Speaking at a consultative meeting with the fishing communities from across Uganda and fisheries stakeholders at State Lodge, Jinja on 5th August 2025, President Museveni said indigenous fishermen will manage the lakes assisted by capital intensive investors and the UPDF’s Fisheries Protection Unit. According to the President, indigenous fishermen were key to in the sustainability of the fishing industry, thus we’re supposed to take the lead on protecting the lakes with the assistance of the army.
“Now that we have peace, let’s organize this sector and eventually return the army to the barracks,” the President remarked, noting that the continued presence of the army on lakes was necessary to safeguard national interests and promoting stability of the fishing industry.
The meeting was attended by different categories including indigenous fishermen, some of the families of indigenous fishermen, boat owners Association, Leaders of Associations of fishing communities, District Fisheries Officers and Bakenye leadership.
The FDC, one of Uganda’s largest opposition party by representation, is the only party that has released its campaign manifesto for the 2026 general elections. Last week, the party declared Budadiri West county MP Hon. Nathan Nandala Mafabi as their presidential candidate who will carry its flag.
