Nandala vows to remove UPDF from lakes, institute local management committees

___________________

Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party presidential candidate Nathan Nandala Mafabi has made a bold promise to voters in Serere district, vowing to drive away the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) from the lake and establish local committees to manage the water bodies.

Nandala made the promise during a campaign rally on October 22, 2025, at Kadungulu landing site in Serere district, emphasising that the UPDF's presence on the lakes has been a major concern for fishermen and other stakeholders.

“UPDF should leave our borders because there is no insecurity in fish. If the issue is fishing nets, the government will give you the right nets; if it’s a boat, the government must give you boats, and you must enjoy your lakes,” he said.

FDC Serere Woman MP aspirant Deborah Akiteng addressing supporters during a visit to the landing site. (Photo by Isaac Nuwagaba)

“People must enjoy their lakes because it was given to them by God. Get the fish, eat some and sell some to make money, and that’s why our campaign now is to fix the economy for money to be in your pockets.”

The UPDF has been deployed on Uganda's lakes, including Lake Victoria, to enforce fishing regulations and combat illegal fishing practices. However, their presence has been met with resistance from some fishermen, who claim that the soldiers are harassing them and disrupting their livelihoods.

Nandala promised to institute local committees to manage the lakes, comprising fishermen, local leaders, and other stakeholders.

He emphasised that these committees would be responsible for enforcing fishing regulations, resolving conflicts, and ensuring the sustainable management of the lakes’ resources.

Nandala argued that local committees would be more effective in managing the lakes than the UPDF, as they would have a better understanding of the local context and the needs of the fishermen.

“The area committees will ensure that the benefits of lake management are shared equitably among all stakeholders, with the government doing an oversight role,” he emphasised.

Noel Ogilut, a resident of Owarakwap in Kadungulu, welcomed Nandala's promise, expressing hope that it would bring an end to the harassment and intimidation they have faced from the UPDF.

“We are tired of being treated like criminals on our own lakes," said a local fisherman. "We need local committees that understand our needs and can work with us to manage the lakes sustainably."

FDC supporters waving Nandala Mafabi's campaign posters and the Woman MP Deborah Akiteng. (Photo by Isaac Nuwagaba)

David Ocan said local committees could be an effective way to manage lakes and other natural resources, as they involve the communities that depend on them, according to Jackson Onen.

Onen said soldiers during COVID-19 conducted operations against illegal fishing at Ajuba landing site in Kadungulu subcounty, which sent horror through villages along the lake shores.

“Their presence in the area forced many residents to abandon their homes. Some residents spent several nights in churches and nearby schools after hearing about the soldiers.”

Joseph Elimu, a resident of Abata village in Kadungulu subcounty, said he was allegedly beaten by soldiers over illegal fishing nets.

“When they released me after a week in detention, my wife had already left home with our three children. My life is in a mess since I can’t support myself,” the teary Elimu said.

Elimu revealed that he was charged sh250,000 by the Fish Protection Unit (FPU) soldiers at Kagwara to secure his release after spending three days in detention.