Migingo Island: Budalang’i Fishermen Complain About Ugandan Police Harassment

Ugandan marine security officers’ persistent harassment of Budalang’i fishermen around Migingo Island is at an all-time high. The fishermen who look to have had enough are now calling on President Kenyatta to intervene.

The men say the officers patrolling the Ugandan side of Lake Victoria arbitrarily seize their fishing gear.

Speaking to The Star in Port Victoria on Tuesday, the fishermen’s leader, Robert Anema, said:

“We have complained for a long time, asking the Busia government to consult with their Ugandan counterparts to resolve the issue.”

Anema said nothing had so far been done with their appeals falling on deaf ears even after they get fined more than KSh 55,000 for supposedly trespassing into Ugandan waters.

“The money is for every boat that the officers feel has crossed the border. The confiscated fish and gear are never released until the money is paid,” he added.

Read Also: Tension On Migingo Island After Uganda Police Seize IEBC Staff And Equipment

The group wants the President to initiate talks with Uganda as they have incurred heavy losses following the row.

Uhuru, during a tour of Budalang’i to inspect the ongoing construction of Sigiri bridge, assured the fishermen that he will intervene and resolve the matter.

The fishermen also used that time to complain about Busia county’s failure to renovate the damaged boat landing bay despite collecting KSh 10,000 from them daily.

“We also asked them to install a high mast security light at the beach but all this has not been done,” Anema said.

The fishermen and other traders in the town unanimously resolved that they will not remit any revenue until the matter is looked into.

Migingo Island Dispute

Migingo Island is endowed with an abundant supply of fish, hence the interest from both Kenya and Uganda. Kenya has maintained that the 0.5-acre rock is in its territory while its neighbor says the waters bordering the island is theirs.

Read Also: Ugandan Police Attack Kenyan Policeman On Migingo

Earlier in the year, Nyatike MP Edick Anyanga proposed that the President order the deployment of the officers as a way of protecting the country’s sovereignty.

The legislator asked President Uhuru Kenyatta to station Kenya Navy persoel at the disputed region to quell simmering tension in the area.

There is disquiet at the tiny island after news emerged of plans by Uganda to station new military officers to man the area.

“We have complaints of harassment of Kenyans living along the border with Uganda in Western and Nyanza,” Anyanga said.

“We need a strong statement from Kenya in regard to soldiers crossing over into the country to met atrocities against citizens.”

Anyanga said Lake Victoria is considered an international water body, hence needs to be shielded by Kenya Defence Forces.