Shadow Cabinet demands probe into alleged atrocities by UPDF’s Fisheries Protection Unit

The shadow cabinet, led by the Leader of Opposition in Parliament, Mathias Mpuuga has on Monday called for an investigation into alleged atrocities committed by the UPDF’s Fisheries Protection Unit on lakes across the country.

The Fisheries Protection Unit was initially deployed on the lakes to combat illicit fishing practices, but numerous complaints have been received from fisheries communities regarding the conduct of its operatives. Accusations include torture, bribery, and acting with impunity while executing their duties.

Now, Mathias Mpuuga says that his office has received several petitions from aggrieved members of the fishing community, implicating the UPDF in continued terror attacks and blatant torture of fishermen on various water bodies.

He cited instances of harassment, deaths resulting from torture, and the auctioning of impounded fish and fishing gear from fishermen for private gain under the guise of curbing prohibited fishing practices.

Recently, the LOP held a meeting with residents of Dimu Town Council in Masaka, who raised similar complaints. The District Fisheries Officer also reported UPDF officers’ involvement in collecting illicit “boat taxes” from fishermen, affecting revenue collection efforts.

Mpuuga urged Parliament to investigate what he described as a gross violation of human rights among fishing communities. However, Jacob Marksons Oboth, the Minister of State for Defense, responded that the government does not condone any human rights violations against Ugandans.

Despite numerous resolutions passed by Parliament urging the suspension of UPDF activities on water bodies, the government has not heeded these calls. The enforcement of the Presidential directive to combat illegal fishing has been in place since 2017.