The Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs has outlined diplomatic and security measures to protect fishermen from harassment and detainment of by Ugandan authorities at the Kenya-Uganda border areas of Lake Victoria.

In a response read by a Member of the Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations Committee, Hon. Moses Kirima (Central Imenti), the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs assured the National Assembly of its efforts to address the matter, stating that the Kenyan Embassy has actively mediated several disputes by engaging with Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

“During the Kenya-Uganda Joint Ministerial Meeting held in May 2024, both countries stressed the need to harmonize fishing laws and streamline permits, which could help resolve these issues,” said the Hon. Kirima. 

Lawmakers had voiced concerns over the recurrent harassment and detainment of Kenyan fishermen by Ugandan authorities at the Kenya-Uganda border areas of Lake Victoria.

Led by Hon. Catherine Omanyo (Busia County), who sought a statement. She pointed out the harassment, arrests and detention of Kenyan fishermen by Ugandan authorities at the Kenya-Uganda border areas of Lake Victoria.

Hon. Omanyo, expressed the need for dignified treatment of Kenyan fishermen. She urged the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs to prioritize collaboration with Uganda to resolve fishing disputes in a peaceful manner. “I was with the fishermen, and since then, a lot has improved. I thank the Committee on Defence for doing good work,” she stated.

Members of the National Assembly were also informed that the Defence Cooperation Agreement signed in 2022 aims to protect Kenyan fishermen by establishing clearer rules for resource-sharing in Lake Victoria.

Hon. Mille Odhiambo (Suba North), underscored the need for immediate action. "Issues that have been raised by Hon. Omanyo affect my Constituency which borders Uganda and Tanzania," she recommended.

Adding that "We have raised this issue with the President himself. There were times when our fishermen faced detentions and fines, but local leaders met with Ugandan counterparts to reduce these incidents. Reintroducing these dialogues would be a practical short-term measure."

Similarly, Hon. Wilberforce Oundo (Funyula) condemned the harassment, calling it unbearable. He urged for a permanent solution from both governments, commending Kenyan authorities. 
“The fish in Lake Victoria has no passport; it belongs to the people of East Africa. There are no demarcated borders on the lake, and we continually urge the Defence Committee to deal with this matter conclusively,” he asserted.

The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding Kenyan interests in the lake, with coordinated patrols by the Kenya Coast Guard, and collaborations with the Lake Victoria Fisheries Organization (LVFO) to promote sustainable fishing practices. In areas under Kenyan jurisdiction, the Ministry emphasized its readiness to investigate and address incidents, utilizing both diplomatic and administrative solutions.