In the last two weeks, over 60 Kenyan fishermen from Remba Island in Suba North Constituency have been arrested for alleged boundary trespass and failure to follow fishing regulations in Ugandan waters.
While on a fishing expedition in Lake Victoria, Ugandan Security Forces arrested the fishermen and impounded their 30 boats.
Homa Bay County Commissioner Moses Lilan says they have already secured the release of the fishermen after diplomatic talks between the Kenyan and Ugandan Governments.
Lilan says that they are negotiating with the Ugandan Authority to release the other boats which are still under their custody.
Kenyan fishermen have asked the East African Community to implement a single license that would allow them to operate anywhere in the lake without fear of harassment, in order to help resolve the periodic disputes between the fishermen and Ugandan security personnel.
Because of the declining fish population, some fishermen frequently cross borders to harvest fish in neighbouring countries’ waters.
