By: Dondo Allan & Ikiriza Zephania

Buliisa
The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) have started returning confiscated fishing gear to local fishermen following a presidential directive.

Speaking at the Butiaba Fisheries Detach in Buliisa District, the Commander of the Field Artillery Division, Major General Daniel Kakono, ordered the Fisheries Protection Unit and UPDF Marine to hand back engines, boats, and legal fishing nets to their rightful owners.

The directive follows President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s campaign address delivered on 11th December 2025 at Booma Grounds in Nyapeya Cell, Buliisa District.

Major General Kakono emphasized that, beyond returning the equipment, the army has a responsibility to protect Ugandan fishermen from illegal intruders crossing from neighboring countries.

He further instructed fishermen whose gear was confiscated in Pakwach to reclaim it, directing the commander in charge to ensure the items are returned without delay.

Presiding over the function, the Buliisa District Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Longino Bahebwa Byagagire applauded the President for the move and called on the fishing community to support President

Museveni in the forthcoming January elections.
By press time, several fishermen had already received their engines, boats, and fuel tanks.