Ugandan authorities release fishermen after protests.

What you need to know:

  • The three were set free following protests from Kenyan fishermen and traders.
  • Their boat was also released to them but their approximately 300 kilos catch of fish with an approximate value of Sh80,000 was forfeited.
  • Kenyan fishermen protested the arrests saying it was part of the wider scheme to frustrate Kenyans operating in the fresh water lake.
  • Migori Governor Okoth Obado called for an end to the escalating harassment and intimidation of Kenyan fishermen by the Ugandan authorities.

Three Kenyan fishermen arrested by the Ugandan authorities in Lake Victoria early this week have been released after spending two days in the cells.

The three were set free following protests from Kenyan fishermen and traders.

They had been picked near Mugabo beach in Migori County while on a fishing expedition.

Their boat was also released to them but their approximately 300 kilos catch of fish with an approximate value of Sh80,000 was forfeited.

The Ugandan authorities claimed they arrested the trio in connection to a mysterious disappearance of an engine belonging to a Ugandan fisherman last week.

The Kenyans — MrJames Otieno, 20, Mr Nicholas Otieno, 33, and Mr Samuel Barasa, 20 — were taken to makeshift cells at the disputed Migingo Island where they were interrogated briefly and later locked up.

FRUSTRATING FISHERMEN

Kenyan fishermen protested the arrests saying it was part of the wider scheme to frustrate Kenyans operating in the fresh water lake.

“The Ugandans have taken advantage of the insensitivity of our government to our plight. We are now operating at their mercy,” said Mr John Obunge, the Migingo beach management unit chairman.

“They are treating Kenyans like helpless and desperate foreigners on Migingo Island even though the ownership row has not been resolved,” he stated.

Mr Obunge asked the Kenyan government to publicly declare its official position concerning the continued arbitrary arrests by the Ugandans.

“Of late, most arrests are occurring within the Kenyan waters. The Ugandans are always out looking for fish and money,” he said.

END HARASSMENT

Migori Governor Okoth Obado called for an end to the escalating harassment and intimidation of Kenyan fishermen by the Ugandan authorities.

He said Kenyans working around the disputed Migingo Island should be allowed to operate freely without interference by their neighbours.

Mr Obado said it was disheartening to see in the media frequent reports of arbitrary arrests of Kenyan fishermen by Ugandans on claims of trespass.

“I would urge for caution and restraint from the Ugandan security forces as the two countries move forward to resolve the ownership dispute,” Mr Obado said.

The governor noted that cross-border fishing conflicts should never be allowed to undermine the letter and spirit of the East African Community (EAC).

The past six months have seen increased aggression by the Ugandan officers who have been patrolling the lake and impounding fish catches from Kenyans on claims of trespassing into their waters.