Three fishermen drowned after a violent confrontation on Lake Victoria when they allegedly encroached on a protected breeding zone while using illegal fishing equipment. The incident occurred near Luanda Kotieno, following a dispute with local patrol teams.
George Owuor Otuoma, the Luanda Kotieno Beach Management Unit (BMU) officer, reported that the fishermen from Kajimu Beach refused to vacate the restricted area, prompting a scuffle with the patrol team. During the confrontation, their boat capsized, resulting in three deaths.
“One fisherman swam to safety while five others were rescued and handed over to the police,” Otuoma said. The rescued fishermen were taken to Aram Police Station and subsequently arraigned at Madiany Law Courts. They face charges related to using illegal fishing equipment and inciting violence on the lake.
Otuoma condemned the use of illegal fishing gear, highlighting it as a leading cause of conflicts on Lake Victoria. He also urged the government to take urgent action to eliminate dangerous fishing practices and prevent further loss of life. The search for the three missing fishermen is still ongoing.
This tragic incident comes months after the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) arrested two Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) officers at Sumba Island in Port Victoria, Busia County, on February 6, 2025. The UPDF officers, Richard Amrie and Michael Busola, were accused of targeting and harassing Kenyan fishermen operating in Lake Victoria. Intelligence from local communities and fishermen led to their apprehension before they could transfer detained Kenyan fishermen to Uganda.
Lake Victoria has long been a hotspot for disputes over illegal fishing practices, territorial encroachments, and cross-border tensions. Authorities continue to urge all fishermen to adhere strictly to fishing regulations to prevent further confrontations and loss of life.
