Kenyan, Uganda Move to End Fishermen Woes in Lake Victoria

 

 

Kenya and Uganda are in the final stages of implementing a landmark cooperation pact aimed at resolving persistent boundary disputes on Lake Victoria that have led to the harassment and arrest of Kenyan fishermen, Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has revealed.

Speaking in Siaya County after a closed-door meeting with regional and county security teams under the Jukwaa la Usalama forum, the CS acknowledged the long-standing grievances of local fishermen, particularly those operating around the Western and Nyanza regions.

“Some of the charges being imposed on our fishermen are actually bribes demanded by rogue law enforcement officers,” Murkomen stated, condemning the conduct of some Ugandan security personnel patrolling the lake.

The CS emphasized that a lasting solution is on the horizon through the implementation of the Joint Cooperation Agreement signed by President William Ruto and Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni during a high-level meeting less than three months ago.

"President Museveni was in Kenya recently for the signing of the pact. During that meeting, which I attended, it was agreed that Mining CS Hassan Joho and his Ugandan counterpart collaborate to ensure both nations benefit from Lake Victoria’s resources," he noted.

To bolster security and ensure lawful operations on the lake, Murkomen announced plans to establish a Coast Guard patrol base at Usenge Beach. This will complement ongoing operations in Muhuru Bay and Isebania, with coordination by a multi-agency team led by the Kenya Coast Guard Service.

“We must increase Coast Guard personnel and enhance their equipment. Setting up a border post in Usenge will strengthen our presence and enforcement capacity,” he said.

The CS lauded the Coast Guard’s efforts despite limited resources but stressed the need for due legal process when suspects are apprehended.

Murkomen also revealed that the Government is planning a high-level inter-ministerial meeting and engaging in diplomatic channels to address the matter comprehensively.

Beyond the lake dispute, the CS raised alarm over porous borders, which have facilitated the smuggling of contraband goods, trafficking of drugs, and the spread of illicit alcohol. He ordered an intelligence-led crackdown targeting both traffickers and consumers.

Additionally, Murkomen flagged unregulated mining as a national security threat, citing its impact on government revenue and local safety. He proposed an intergovernmental framework involving both national and county governments to streamline licensing and enforcement.

He further warned against the rising influence of political gangs and goons, directing security agencies to conduct immediate crackdowns on such groups.

“This government will not tolerate lawlessness. Whether it's on our borders, in our towns, or in the waters of Lake Victoria, order must be restored,” Murkomen concluded