This archive report was first published on 12 August 2019.
Kenyan fishermen have been subjected to brutal treatment by Ugandan security officials, including whippings, forced consumption of raw fish, and confiscation of boats and gear.
According to a 60-year-old fisherman from Budalang'i Constituency in Busia County, western Kenya, he and five colleagues were arrested by Ugandan security officers while fishing in Lake Victoria two months ago.
The men were taken to Dolwe Island, where they were subjected to 100 strokes of the cane and left hungry in the waters for 12 hours.
"When we complained, they made us eat raw fish after which they beat us again," the elderly man said.
He and his colleagues were later released and warned never to be seen in Uganda again "if you value your lives".
Ugandan security officials have been accused of changing fishing regulations to fleece Kenyan fishermen, who are forced to pay hefty fines and spend weeks or months in filthy police cells.
"There are more than 300 boat engines and thousands of fishing nets on islands manned by Uganda People's Defence Force (UPDF) soldiers," the fisherman said.
Kenyan fishermen have also been detained by Ugandans for using boats and gear that do not meet Ugandan regulations, including a requirement for size nine hooks and a 48ft boat.
"They arrested me in May and towed my boat to Munene Island where I was made to kneel in the water for about two hours and forced to eat my catch," one fisherman said.
"They hit me in the face, stomach and back when I refused to do as told," he added.
Busia County Beach Management Units Network chairman Sylvester Kaywa has appealed to President Uhuru Kenyatta to protect Kenyan fishermen from harassment by Ugandan security officials.
"Many of the fishermen have been rendered jobless. Kenyans have become hostages in their own country. Fishermen say the government has abandoned them," Mr Kaywa said.
Kenya allows the use of size 4.5 nets, but anything lower than six in Uganda is illegal.
Kenya also permits the use of canoes that are pointed on both sides, but Uganda only allows single-pointed boats.
Deputy President William Ruto has announced plans to set up a marine and fisheries institute in Sisenye to address the issue.
