Kenyan Police Arrest Ugandan Officers for Harassing Fishermen on Lake Victoria
Kenyan security forces have arrested two Ugandan military officers accused of harassing local fishermen on Lake Victoria.
The officers, identified as Richard Amrie and Michael Busola from the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), were taken into custody on Thursday at Sumba Island, located in Port Victoria, Busia County.
According to reports, the Ugandan officers had already detained several Kenyan fishermen and were in the process of preparing to transport them to Uganda when they were apprehended.
Their arrest came after local fishermen and residents alerted the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) officers, who were patrolling the waters at the time.
For a long time, Kenyan fishermen operating on Lake Victoria have complained about Ugandan security forces crossing into Kenyan waters, harassing them, and unlawfully detaining them.
This ongoing intimidation prompted KDF and Coast Guard officers to increase patrols in the region to protect Kenya’s territorial waters.
Following the arrest of the UPDF officers, local fishermen expressed their relief and praised KDF for their swift response.
Some recounted painful experiences of mistreatment by the Ugandan officers, saying they had suffered beatings and injuries at their hands.
“Yesterday, they arrested me and ordered me to take a certain route. I followed their instructions, but they later accused me of trying to escape. One officer forced me into their boat and started beating me,” one of the affected fishermen recalled.
“He hit me three times on the chest using the butt of his gun. I had to ask him why he was assaulting me after arresting me because they have been harassing us for a long time,” he added.
The two Ugandan officers, both holding the rank of sergeant, were taken to Budalangi Police Station in Busia County, where they are being held as investigations continue.
However, it remains unclear whether they will be taken to court in Kenya or handed over to Ugandan authorities.
Incidents of fishermen facing harassment, losing their fishing gear to robbers, and being intimidated by police and military officers from neighboring countries have been on the rise.
Such cases have raised diplomatic concerns over disputed boundaries on Lake Victoria, leading the Kenyan government to strengthen security patrols in the area to safeguard its citizens and territorial integrity.
— CITY DIGEST. (@city_digest) February 6, 2025
