Fifteen Kenyan fishermen from Remba Island have been released after being arrested by Ugandan security officers while fishing in Lake Victoria, in yet another incident highlighting tensions over shared waters.
Highlights:
- 15 fishermen arrested for alleged trespassing into Ugandan waters
- Released after paying a Ksh.50,000 fine
- Accused of lacking licenses and safety gear
- Incident sparks renewed calls for government intervention
- Lake Victoria disputes remain a recurring issue
Main Story:
Arrest Over Alleged Trespassing
The fishermen, all from Suba North in Homa Bay County, were arrested on Saturday night by Ugandan authorities while on a fishing expedition.
They were accused of crossing into Ugandan territory on Lake Victoria without proper authorization, a frequent source of conflict among communities sharing the lake.
Detained and Fined
After their arrest, the fishermen were taken to Hama, where they were held until Sunday night.
According to Semekiah Okoth Mamra, chair of the local Beach Management Unit, the group was operating three boats when they were intercepted.
Ugandan officers reportedly demanded a payment of Ksh.10,000 per boat, totaling Ksh.50,000, before releasing them.
Additional Allegations
Beyond trespassing, the fishermen were also accused of lacking valid fishing licenses and essential safety equipment such as life jackets.
These claims often form part of enforcement actions on the lake, though Kenyan fishermen have repeatedly disputed the manner in which arrests are carried out.
Rising Concern Among Fishermen
The incident has reignited concerns over what local leaders describe as frequent harassment of Kenyan fishermen by Ugandan authorities.
Mamra is now urging the Kenyan government to intervene diplomatically to protect fishermen and establish clearer operational boundaries on the lake.
A Long-Standing Dispute
Fishing communities around Lake Victoria have long faced challenges due to unclear or contested maritime boundaries.
The lake, shared by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, is a vital economic resource, but overlapping claims and enforcement crackdowns continue to spark tension.
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