(Busia) – Following recent concerns raised by Busia Women Representative Catherine Omanyo, Kenya and Uganda have held successful bilateral talks aimed at addressing the regular harassment faced by fishermen in Lake Victoria. The two countries have long-standing ties, and this meeting marks a step toward resolving disputes, particularly in the fishing sector, which is vital for the local economy.
The talks, which took place between May 12 and May 14, 2024, were prompted by the persistent oppression of Kenyan fishermen by security personnel from Uganda, who have frequently arrested and detained fishermen on allegations of violating fishing policies and encroaching on Ugandan waters. Omanyo had brought the issue to the attention of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, requesting action to end these challenges.
During the bilateral discussions, both countries recognized the need to harmonize their fishing policies. The agreement will see the training of fishermen on proper fishing practices, including the use of appropriate fishing gear, to prevent premature harvesting of fish. This initiative is part of a broader effort to ensure sustainable fishing in Lake Victoria.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs highlighted that Kenya and Uganda will maintain regular communication through diplomatic channels, including the Kenyan Embassy in Uganda. Some issues will be further addressed through the Defence Cooperation Agreement (DCA) of April 2022, which is implemented by the Joint Defence Committee (JDC). The JDC acknowledges the importance of managing shared resources responsibly and aims to foster peaceful cooperation between the two nations.
Fishermen in Kenya’s Busia County have been particularly affected by these cross-border issues. Over 20 fishermen are currently serving jail terms or in detention in Uganda, with more than 230 arrests made in 2023 alone due to alleged fishing violations. Reports from the Beach Management Unit indicate that many boats and fishing nets were destroyed for not meeting the required standards.
The importance of fishing to the economy of Busia County is undeniable, with up to 40% of the region’s economic activity tied to the industry. Omanyo has called for urgent action to resolve security concerns that threaten the sustainability of this vital livelihood. She has also suggested that local governments in counties bordering the lake, such as Busia, Siaya, Migori, Homa Bay, and Kisumu, embrace fish cage farming to mitigate the challenges faced by traditional fishing.
The depletion of fish stocks in Lake Victoria has further exacerbated tensions. Omanyo pointed out that both national and county governments must work together to introduce new farming models, such as fish cage farming, to restore fish populations and provide an alternative source of livelihood for fishermen.
In addition to the security challenges, Kenyan fishermen and traders have faced extortion from Ugandan authorities. Fish traders from Busia have reported incidents of bribery and unfair fees being demanded by Ugandan officials. In one instance, a Kenyan fish trader lost 90 tonnes of fish worth 50 million shillings to Ugandan military personnel, who impounded and disposed of the goods.
The resolution reached during the bilateral talks includes several key measures. Both governments have agreed to encourage fishermen to obtain proper licenses and fishing gear. Kenyan fishermen wishing to fish in Uganda must now apply for a license, and any arrests of fishermen must be made by security officers in uniform to prevent illegal extortion. Regular joint meetings and communication will be held to address any future disputes.
This agreement is expected to positively impact the local fishing industry, which sees over 800 metric tonnes of fish exported to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and South Sudan weekly. The fish trade supports over 4,000 youth in Busia County, providing significant economic opportunities for the region. The new measures will help ensure that this important trade continues without further disruptions.