Museveni defends army on torture allegations

NAKASONGOLA. President Museveni has defended the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) on allegations that they harass and torture fishermen.
Officers of the Fisheries Protection Unit (FPU), a section of the UPDF marine brigade, are in the spotlight for alleged brutality against the fishing communities.
Responding to growing criticism from the public, the President also cautioned the Baruuli community in Nakasongola District against bad fishing practices, asserting it is the reason the UPDF were deployed to the lake waters.

“The fisheries’ experts tell us that when the fish is left undisturbed for six months, it lays more eggs and this is what we should all be fighting to have. The operations are already yielding fruit for the period the soldiers have intervened,’’ the President said on Monday. He was speaking as guest of honour at the 14th Isabaruli coronation anniversary at Lwabyata Primary School in Nakasongola District
“The Isabaruli in our private meeting expressed concern about the reported ill-treatment of the fishermen by the team we set up to help restore order and ensure that the practice of catching the young fish stops,” Mr Museveni said.

He added: “I believe most of you are cattle keepers and would not wish to have the calves sold off before they mature if you are a true cattle keeper. The same treatment you give to the cattle should be the way forward for the fish in the lake. Only the mature fish is meant for the market. We cannot negotiate about that.”
Fishermen in Nakasongola District have severally petitioned their leaders against what they claim is hostile treatment by the FPU teams on Lake Kyoga waters.

Last month, Parliament instituted a probe into allegations of torture by FPU.
The Deputy Speaker, Mr Jacob Oulanyah, instructed the Parliament Committee on Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Husbandry to investigate the matter and immediately report to the House.
Meanwhile, President Museveni praised the Baruli for standing strong in defending their cultural identity “including the Ruruli language which was on the verge of suffocation from tribes and cultures that intentionally had a plan to destroy Buruli”.

“It is true that many people live as squatters on land where you are supposed to be enjoying all your rights as land owners. You have been evicted by land grabbers, landlords, and Mengo but we now have a solution. The Land Fund will resolve everything about the land challenges,” the President said.
The Buruli chiefdom prime minister, Mr Sam Kasirye, had earlier told President Museveni that a bigger percentage of the population in Nakasongola have become landless because of the court orders for eviction.

Promised
The President promised the Buruuli Chiefdom and youth savings and credit cooperative organisations Shs200m and Shs50m respectively. The Isabaruli will also receive a new car.

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