The Heated Debate Over Uganda’s First Female Fisheries Commander

By Amos Ssemuwemba

The appointment of Mercy Adah Tukahirwa as the Commander of the Fisheries Protection Unit has sparked a heated debate in Uganda, following remarks made by Mukono South MP Fred Kayondo. Kayondo criticized the decision, citing cultural norms in Buganda that traditionally restrict women from leadership roles related to lakes.

During a press conference at Parliament, where MPs discussed the urgent need for regulations under the Fisheries and Aquaculture Act 2022, Kayondo expressed his concerns. He referenced specific islands within Lake Victoria, such as Luwelo, where women are prohibited from visiting.

“We are asking Mercy Adah Tukahirwa, the commander of the Fisheries Protection Unit, that a lake isn’t headed by a woman. That is one way of disrespecting the norms of Lake Victoria,” he stated.

The MP’s comments have drawn mixed reactions, highlighting the tension between traditional cultural practices and the push for gender equality in leadership. Many advocates for women’s rights have condemned Kayondo’s statements, arguing that such views perpetuate outdated norms that hinder progress.

In November 2023, President Yoweri Museveni appointed Lt. Col. Tukahirwa to replace Dick Kaija, who had held the position since 2020. This appointment is seen by some as a significant step towards increasing female representation in Uganda’s security and management sectors.