Nairobi: Fishermen in Migori are calling for a peaceful resolution between Kenya and Uganda concerning the ongoing dispute over Migingo Island and the fishing boundaries on Lake Victoria. They believe that resolving this issue is crucial for improving relations between the two nations and ensuring the sustainable use of Lake Victoria's resources.
According to Kenya News Agency, the dispute has led to tensions between citizens of Kenya and Uganda, with Kenyan fishermen reporting harassment by Ugandan police while fishing on Lake Victoria. John Obunge, chairman of Migingo beach management, revealed that his group recently lost fishing equipment and fish valued at over Sh.5 million due to confiscation by Ugandan security officials, who accused them of trespassing.
This incident comes shortly after a meeting between President William Ruto of Kenya and Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, where they committed to ending such harassment. The leaders also agreed to expedite the signing of a cross-border resource-sharing agreement, which aims to facilitate access to shared natural resources and promote peace.
Fishermen, through leaders like Obunge and Tonny Ogwari, chairman of the Muhuru Bay Beach Management Unit, are urging the presidents to continue working towards resolving the Lake Victoria fishing dispute. They also advocate for joint security efforts to combat piracy in the lake, which has been exacerbated by the strained relations between the two countries.
Efforts to address these issues have been ongoing, with high-level inter-governmental talks taking place to negotiate fishing rights and encourage citizens to cease hostilities. Migori County Commissioner, Mr. Mutua Kisilu, noted that both nations have agreed to conduct joint security surveillance to tackle armed gangs targeting fishermen.
The fishermen are also calling for harmonized laws and cooperative efforts among the Great Lakes states to address piracy, insecurity, and resource depletion. They emphasize the need for regular consultative meetings involving government officials from neighboring countries to make meaningful progress.
The longstanding Migingo Island ownership dispute remains unresolved. In 2010, a joint survey team from Kenya and Uganda was tasked with determining the island's ownership, but the effort stalled when Ugandan officials withdrew from the process. Despite the survey indicating that Migingo is in Kenya, the report has not been officially released, leaving the issue unsettled.
President Museveni has previously commented on the matter, suggesting that while the island might be in Kenya, the surrounding waters fall under Ugandan jurisdiction. This claim has been contested by Kenyan leaders, adding to the complexity of the situation.