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Busia County MP, Hon. Catherine Omanyo has sought a Statement on harassment of Kenyan fishermen on Lake Victoria.
Hon.Β OmanyoΒ highlighted the plight of fishermen inΒ Budalangi, who have faced frequent arrests, detention, and extortion by Ugandan security forces.
"Lake Victoria is a shared resource that supports millions of livelihoods, yet our fishermen are being treated as criminals in their own waters. The Ugandan authorities' actions violate the rights and dignity of our people and this must stop," she said.
According to Hon.Β CatherineΒ Omanyo, Ugandan police officers often confiscate boats and equipment from Kenyan fishermen, demanding hefty bribes for their release. She cited reports of bribes as high as Kshs.30, 000 per person, adding that in some instances, violence has been used, resulting in injuries and even deaths.Β
She added that Kenyan fishermen are entitled to find in the lake as per the agreements and protocols signed by the East African Communityβs member states. These agreements and protocols include the Lake Victoria FisheriesΒ OrganizationΒ (LVFO), established in 1994 to promote sustainable management and development of fisheriesβ resources in the lake. The LVFO also aims to foster cooperation and coordination among the riparian states on issues such as fishingΒ licenses, regulations, enforcement, monitoring and research.
Hon. CatherineΒ Omanyo, sought details onΒ theΒ steps being taken by the Ministry to engage the Government of Uganda to ensure that Kenyan fishermen in Lake Victoria are treated with respect and dignity, and that any disputes over fishing rights are resolved amicablyΒ and the measures put in place to enhance security and surveillance in the lake, and to collaborate with Ugandan authorities to prevent and punish any acts of harassment or extortion against Kenyan fishermen.Β
Other Members of Parliament representing constituencies bordering the lake, called for immediate government intervention to resolve the matter
BudalangiΒ MP,Β Hon. RaphaelΒ Wanjala supportedΒ Hon.Β Omanyo Β by sharing a recent incident where eight fishermen from his constituency were arrested by Ugandan police onΒ July 11, 2024 stating that the arrests were abductions.
"These arrests are nothing short of abductions. The Ugandans cross into Kenyan waters and forcefully take our people, demanding money for their release. This lawlessness must end,"Β Hon. Wanjala said.
FunyulaΒ MP,Β Hon. (Dr) OjiamboΒ OundoΒ added his voice to the debate, describing the situation as a menace that needs urgent attention.Β
