Lake Victoria has become the center of a longstanding dispute affecting Kenyan fishermen, with recent incidents involving arrests and fines by Ugandan security officials prompting calls for urgent resolution.
Speaking in Kisumu, Oburu Oginga criticized the ongoing harassment of fishermen, particularly from Siaya County and Busia County. He highlighted the economic and personal losses suffered by those detained or forced to pay fines for allegedly fishing in Ugandan waters.
“The frequent detention and fines imposed on our fishermen is unacceptable,” Oburu said. “President Yoweri Museveni, I appeal to you: please make Lake Victoria a common-use facility so that security and management can be jointly handled. We do not want harassment from either side.”
Oburu urged both Uganda and Kenya, including President William Ruto, to restore cooperative management of the lake, citing historical arrangements where the lake was peacefully shared by local communities.
The call comes amid repeated tensions over fishing rights, with the dispute affecting livelihoods and escalating diplomatic concerns between the two neighboring countries. Fishermen have long complained that unclear boundaries and enforcement practices disrupt their work and threaten their economic stability.
Resolving the Lake Victoria dispute is seen as critical not only for regional cooperation but also for safeguarding the livelihoods of thousands who depend on the lake’s resources.
