By Our Reporter
NATIONAL
The UPDF Fisheries Protection Unit has received a new commander with the hand-over ceremony taking place today, 5th November, 2023 at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs headquarters, Mbuya.
Lt. Col Mercy Tukahirwa has replaced Lt Col Dick Kaija who has held the position since December 2020.
The Chief of Defence Forces, General Wilson Mbadi presided over the handover/takeover ceremony which was also attended by Commander Special Forces Command, Brig Gen David Mugisha and Commander Marines, Brig Gen Micheal Nyarwa, among others.
General Mbadi commended Lt Col Dick Kaija for his efforts in fighting criminality on the lakes and bad fishing practices.
The CDF informed the meeting that it’s a military routine and practice of serving within the UPDF to change office.
Gen Mbadi said that the outgoing commander not only enforced the fisheries law but educated the fishermen about the guidelines on fishing, transportation and licensing of fish and its products.
He thanked Lt Col Kaija for his efforts in fighting illegal fishing practices which were depleting the lakes and creating room for fish to increase hence increasing revenue to the government.
Lt Col Kaija thanked Officers and militants who supported him during his tour of duty. He urged members to accord the same support and loyalty to the new commander.
Lt Col Tukahirwa thanked the leadership of UPDF for entrusting her with the position of commander and pledged to serve diligently.
She thanked the outgoing commander and called for the full cooperation from officers and men of the Fisheries Protection Unit.
