Lango leaders want FPU replaced with civil organisation

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AMOLATAR

Political leaders in Lango want government to disband the unit and replace it with a civil organisation. The call follows series of accusations of inhuman treatment against fishing communities by Fisheries Protection Unit (FPU) personnel.

During a meeting at Namasale town council headquarters on Wednesday, March 27, 2024, members of the fishing community accused FPU of atrocities including murder, torture, extortion and rape.

The meeting, which was called by Lango districts LC5 chairpersons and the mayors forum, was attended by UPDF, Police, MPs, LC5 chairpersons and fishing communities.

Kudith Alyek, Chairperson Lango Parliamentary Group.

On March 4, 2024, the Chairperson of Amolatar Geoffrey Ocen wrote a letter to Lango LC5 and Mayors Forum informing them about the alleged atrocities being committed by FPU.

The DPC of Amolatar subsequently summoned Ocen to Amolatar CPS to record a statement over this.

On March 26, 2024, several political leaders including Uganda People's Congress party president Jimmy Akena escorted Ocen to Amolatar CPS to record the statement.

During the Wednesday meeting, Ocen, said he is being persecuted for standing with his people who are being terrorised by FPU and alleging that it was the UPDF officers who started illegal fishing, which motivated others to join in resulting in many deaths.

David Kennedy Odongo, the chairperson of Lango LC5s and Mayors Forum, urged the RDC and DPC of Amolatar to stop intimidating political leaders elected by the people.

According to him, Odwee, who is being held on remand at Amolatar Prison over allegation of murder during mob action yet his three sons were allegedly killed by FPU officers, should be unconditionally released.

What the soldiers say

Lt. Col. Peter Musherura, the 5th division operation and training officer who represented the division commander, commended the residents of Amolatar for speaking boldly.

“The UPDF is a people’s force and we shall not entertain anybody who is against the people,” he said.

FPU operations officer Maj. Frank Kanziira, who represented the FPU commanding officer, said they are to ensure the fish stock improves, which will in turn lead to the economy improving.

FPU intelligence officer Maj. Joseph Cherop in response to allegation where a woman says her fish worth sh50m was impounded illegally, said the woman did not have a licence and that her son pleaded guilty and begged court to allow him get license and buy the fish which was done.

He assured the people that they will investigate all the allegations brought against FPU and publish the report.

Resolution of the meeting

• The meeting resolved that all the issues raised by the fishing communities must be brought to the attention of the President 
• All FPU commanders deployed in Lakes Kyoga and Kwania be replaced and disciplined
• Police should apologise to the community for summoning the chairperson of Amolatar for raising issues of the communities about brutality by FPU
• Unconditional release of Bangani village LC1 chairperson on remand at Amolatar Prison 
• A commission of inquiry into allegations of brutality committed by FPU
• Compensation of all the victims of the atrocities