On her inaugural day as the commandant of the Fisheries Protection Unit (FPU), Lt. Col. Mercy Tukahirwa spearheaded an operation resulting in the impoundment of a truck carrying approximately 10 tonnes of immature fish. The FUSO truck with registration UBH 141B was intercepted at the Mpondwe border, attempting to cross into the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Lt. Col. Tukahirwa confirmed the operation and revealed that four individuals—Umar Busulwa, Karim Abdul, Kasereka Bahamwiti, and Joram Bwambale—have been arrested in connection with illegal fishing and trade. All four are currently detained at Mpondwe Border Police Station, awaiting legal proceedings.
The impounded immature fish, believed to be smoked and salted, originated from areas in the Mpigi and Kalangala districts, according to the FPU boss. Lt. Col. Tukahirwa took over the command from Lt. Col. Dick Kaija, who had led the FPU since December 2020. During the official handover, Gen. Wilson Mbadi, the Chief of Defence Forces, commended Lt. Col. Kaija for his efforts in combating criminality and illegal fishing practices on Uganda’s water bodies.
As part of her responsibilities, Lt. Col. Tukahirwa is expected to continue the process of returning impounded illegal fishing gear to several owners across the country. Additionally, all latest equipment confiscated in operations will undergo a court process, and owners will be charged accordingly, in line with a presidential directive.
