Ugandan security officers arrest 24 fishermen, confiscate boats in Homa Bay

Ugandan security officers have arrested 24 fishermen from Ringiti Island beach in Suba West, Homa Bay County, and impounded six boats over alleged trespass.

On Wednesday night, three boats were seized by the officers on patrol in the waters of Lake Victoria, while three others were confiscated on Thursday morning, sparking tension among the fishermen.

According to Ringiti Island Beach Management Unit chairperson Barnabas Odhiambo, the boats had four fishermen each during the raid as the officers accused them of trespassing across the border into Ugandan water, a claim he denied.

Odhiambo said the fishermen and the seized boats were taken to Lolwe Island in Uganda after they were confiscated when the fishermen were on the lake.

“To release a boat, the Ugandans often demand Ksh.50,000 paid to security officers, while for a person, the amount is usually from Ksh.10,000,” he said.

Odhiambo said they have constantly complained of harassment by Ugandans and pointed out a need for a meeting to end the impasse.