By KT Reporter
The National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate, Robert Kyagulanyi, has pledged to withdraw the Fisheries Protection Unit (FPU) of the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) from the country’s lakes if elected in the 2026 general elections.
Kyagulanyi made the promise during his presidential rally at Kalungi Playground in Nakasongola District on Friday. The rally was held in a remote area, about 40 kilometers from the Kampala–Gulu highway. During the event, Ivan Kyeyune, the Nakasongola County MP flagbearer, and Sharon Amahoro, the District Woman MP flagbearer, told Kyagulanyi that the area had previously been considered a stronghold of the ruling NRM. Still, voter support was shifting due to injustices.
Kyeyune highlighted that Lake Kyoga is a primary source of livelihood for many residents, which has been disrupted by the deployment of the FPU. He said several fishermen have lost their lives and many others were injured during operations against illegal fishing. Kyeyune requested that Kyagulanyi withdraw the FPU and hand over management of the lake to local fishermen.
The FPU, composed of UPDF soldiers, was deployed in 2017 by President Yoweri Museveni to curb illegal fishing. Fishermen in Nakasongola have accused the unit of corruption, claiming some soldiers take bribes while arresting poor fishermen.
Freeman Patrick Kaseyera, an NUP coordinator in Nakasongola, reported that residents displaced from the lake had turned to cattle rearing and agriculture, only to face further land grabs. He also noted plans to evict hundreds of people from Kazwama Town Council to establish a nuclear power plant. Kaseyera expressed frustration that the community, loyal to the NRM since 1997, faced evictions and harsh fisheries enforcement.
In response, Kyagulanyi said his first executive order, if elected, would be to immediately withdraw the FPU from all lakes and return management to local fisheries. He added that soldiers who had killed fishermen during operations would be prosecuted and the families of the deceased compensated.
On land, Kyagulanyi pledged that no government project would be implemented without consultation and compensation for existing tenants. He urged Nakasongola residents to vote for him to see change and better service delivery.
Nakasongola has historically been an NRM stronghold, but Museveni’s popularity has declined to 65%, down from 84.46% in 2016, while Kyagulanyi made inroads with 33% of the votes. If residents’ grievances are not addressed, the NRM risks losing further support in the 2026 elections. Kyagulanyi is expected to hold his next rally in Luwero District on December 2, ahead of the elections.
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