Ruto’s Visit to Uganda: What’s at Stake for Lake Victoria Fishermen?

President William Ruto pledged to meet with the President of Uganda, Yoweri Museveni, to address the issue of Kenyan fishermen being harassed by Ugandan security officials on Lake Victoria.

Speaking on Mfangano Island in Homa Bay County, President Ruto emphasized the need for fishermen to conduct their activities peacefully without being subjected to persecution.

“Next Tuesday (today, October 10, 2023), I will be heading to Uganda to discuss this matter with my elder brother, President Yoweri Museveni. We need good neighborly relations in the utilization of Lake Victoria’s resources,” Dr. Ruto stated.

Kenyan fishermen have consistently complained about being mistreated by Ugandan security officers, who accuse them of conducting fishing operations within Uganda’s jurisdiction.

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Fishermen from Homa Bay, Siaya, and Busia counties have been detained in Ugandan prisons and subjected to heavy fines. Additionally, their fishing nets and equipment have been confiscated by Ugandan officials.

Furthermore, some have been mistreated to the extent of being forced to eat raw fish after being apprehended by these Ugandan officials.

President Ruto asserted that his government is committed to ensuring the safety of fishermen who derive their livelihoods from Lake Victoria.

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“Mzee Museveni and I will discuss ways to ensure that security officers tasked with protecting the lake use their capabilities to safeguard the fishermen rather than mistreating them,” the President said, to the cheers of the residents of Mfangano Island.

President Ruto also promised to ensure that Kenyan citizens and their Ugandan counterparts live in peace.

Earlier, Governor of Homa Bay Gladys Wanga called on the President to deploy additional security personnel to Lake Victoria to bolster the safety of the fishermen.

Ms. Wanga stressed that the security of our fishermen on Lake Victoria is paramount and should be strengthened by empowering the maritime security officers further.