President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, also the Commander In Chief of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), officially commissioned a Marine Pier at the Sustainable Base in Ntokoro, Mayuge District. The ceremony brought attention to various aspects, including the expansion of the Marine Brigade, security concerns related to water bodies, and local development issues.
Museveni commended the Commandant of the Marine Brigade for their work, highlighting the brigade’s growth from a small force. He also praised the establishment of training centers in Butiaba and near Entebbe.
While acknowledging the importance of the Marine Brigade in ensuring security on water bodies, Museveni emphasized that a significant portion of Uganda’s territory is freshwater, with implications for border security. He stressed the need for advanced surveillance capabilities on lakes, including surface radars.
The President urged Marine officers to study the history of naval warfare, even in the absence of a vast ocean, to enhance their expertise in water security matters.
During the event, discussions turned to the Fisheries Protection Unit, a group created by Museveni. The unit has faced allegations of corruption and other issues. Local leaders, however, asserted that the unit had reformed and was effectively combating illegal fishing practices.
Museveni underlined the importance of good governance and political power at the local level. He reminded the audience that Ugandans have the power to elect leaders, including at the local council levels, to defend against injustice.
Responding to a call for a special program to alleviate poverty in Busoga, Museveni mentioned the advice he had given in 1995, suggesting specific agricultural activities for people with four acres of land or less. He noted that following this advice could lead to improved income for residents.
The President emphasized the significance of large-scale agriculture in crops like maize, sugarcane, cotton, and tea. Those who had embraced these practices, such as the people in Kalangala, were experiencing economic benefits. In contrast, he criticized small-scale maize and sugarcane farming, particularly in Busoga, as problematic.
Addressing land compensation issues, Museveni indicated that the establishment of the Marine barracks necessitated land acquisition from residents. He explained that a legal process allows the government to acquire land, whether through negotiation or compulsory acquisition.
Nakadama, the Mayuge District Woman Member of Parliament, raised concerns about access to seedlings for agriculture in Busoga. The President explained that the Parish Development Model (PDM) was introduced to address issues of seedling distribution. Under PDM, beneficiaries were expected to buy seedlings themselves.
Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Vincent Bamulangaki Ssempijja, expressed gratitude to President Museveni for his commitment to enhancing the country’s security capabilities.
The Joint Chief of Staff of UPDF, Maj. Gen. Leopold Kyanda, represented the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Wilson Mbasu Mbadi, and praised the Marine Brigade’s efforts in expanding its capacity and capabilities.
Kyanda highlighted the professionalization of the UPDF and the development of a well-trained, disciplined, and equipped force as part of the President’s long-term strategic vision.
The Commandant of the Marine Brigade, Brig Gen. Michael Nyarwa, expressed gratitude for the President’s guidance and pledged to uphold values of loyalty, teamwork, and support for services where needed. The Marine base was seen as vital for vessel testing, training, and ensuring navigational security.
