The Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries Minister Vincent Ssempijja, has differed with parliament on the suspension of operations by the Uganda People’s Defense Forces-UPDF Fisheries Unit against illegal fishing activities.

In December last year, parliament resolved to halt the operations of the UPDF Fisheries Unit due to complaints of rights violations by fishing communities against soldiers involved in the operations. 

The unit is accused of killing more than 17 people and injuring several others, according to Idah Nabayiga, the Kalangala Woman Member of parliament and member of the consortium of Island MPs.

 The Speaker of Parliament, Rebecca Kadaga said there is need for an explanation from government especially the Security Ministry on why soldiers harass, kill and extort money from fishermen on Lake Victoria. 

However, the Unit is yet to stop its activities in disregard of the parliamentary resolution. The Commandant of the Unit, Col. James Nuwagaba told Salt Radio that they only stop their activities on the instruction of the president who instituted the unit. 

Now The Agriculture Minister, Vincent Bamulangaki Ssempijja has thrown his weight behind the unit.        

While outlining the key issues the Ministry will consolidate in 2020, Ssempijja indicated that he disagrees with the resolution to halt the operations of the UPDF Fisheries protection unit, saying it has registered tremendous success in the fight against illegal fishing. 

He however, says there is need to punish all errant soldiers involved in rights violations, which contravenes the law.