This archive report was first published on 28 July 2019.
Kenyan fishermen have been detained in Uganda after being arrested while fishing in Lake Victoria on Saturday.
According to reports, at least 30 fishermen were taken to Hama Island by officials from the Ugandan Revenue Authority (URA).
Beach Management Unit officials in Homa Bay County believe the fishermen may have illegally crossed the boundary between Kenya and Uganda.
URA officials allegedly confiscated nets and 10 fishing boats, as well as the fishermen's catch.
"The Ugandans also took their fish. They were all escorted to Uganda where they were locked up," said Edward Oremo, County BMU Chairman.
The fishermen were from various beaches in Suba North and Suba South sub-counties.
URA officers conducted a raid in Sare and Kiwa beaches in Suba South, confiscating five boats and arresting 15 fishermen.
They then proceeded to Suba North, where they arrested 15 more fishermen and confiscated five other boats.
Homa Bay County Commissioner Harman Shambi confirmed the arrests, stating that his office was yet to get a comprehensive statement on why the fishermen were arrested.
"My office has tried to make communication with officials in Uganda but we are yet to get a response and information about the arrest," he said.
Shamb added that Homa Bay BMU officials were on their way to Uganda to find out why the fishermen were arrested.
"As soon as we get to know why they were arrested, we can then start the process of setting them free," he said.
This incident comes just a week after three Kenyan fishermen from Nyandiwa Beach in Suba South were arrested and detained on the same island by Ugandan security agents.
They were later released after paying a collective fine of Sh30,000.
The fishing community in Homa Bay has now called on the government to intervene to end the frequent arrests.
"The number of arrests made within a short span of time is now worrying. Families which depend on fishing are now worried that their source of livelihood will be gone," said Edward Oremo.
Suba South MP Johan Mbadi and his Suba North counterpart Millie Odhiambo have assured fishermen that their problems will soon be solved.
They announced plans by the government to purchase a patrol boat that will be used by Kenyan police in protecting fishermen from alleged harassment by the Ugandans.
Mr Mbadi said Parliament has approved the purchase of the boat.
"As a member of the budget committee, we had resolved to purchase a boat that will be used in protecting our fishermen," he said.
Ms Odhiambo said the boat will operate in Lake Victoria after its launch by Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i.
