Near the Kenya-Uganda border, a Kenyan fisherman lost his life and another was hospitalized after being shot by a soldier from the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) attached to the Fisheries Protection Unit. The shooting took place on July 4 in the waters of Sigulu Island, and it has also resulted in a Ugandan fisherman being reported as missing.
The deceased fisherman was identified as Fred Mangeni Pamba, hailing from the Port Victoria Landing Site in Western Kenya, while the injured individual, Dalas Igoma, is currently receiving medical care at Port Victoria Hospital. The missing Ugandan fisherman is known only as Romano.
Kenya’s Busia County Commissioner, Mr. Kipchumba Ruto, provided details of the incident, stating that the UPDF soldier had shot the deceased fisherman while he was inside his boat. Another fisherman who was accompanying the deceased is now missing, and the injured individual was taken to the hospital for treatment.
The Kenyan authorities have apprehended a Ugandan boat rider named Mangeni, who allegedly accompanied the soldier. Mangeni swam and ended up on the Kenyan side, where he was arrested and is now facing murder charges. He was initially held at Bunyala Central Police Station and later transferred to the Busia-Kenya Police Station, awaiting his court appearance.
Sources familiar with the investigation revealed that the altercation occurred when the group of five fishermen on a boat, consisting of both Ugandans and Kenyans, attacked the UPDF boat, which had a lone soldier and the boat rider. During the scuffle, the fishermen reportedly used a stick to strike the boat rider, causing him to fall into the lake. In the ensuing chaos, the stranded soldier opened fire, resulting in the tragic death of one fisherman. The Ugandan fisherman who fell into the water remains missing.
In response to the shooting incident, authorities from Kenya and Uganda convened a meeting at the Busia border on Wednesday to address the escalating tensions on Lake Victoria, a shared resource between the two nations. Mr. Michael Kibwika, the Busia Resident District Commissioner, informed that two UPDF soldiers, including the immediate supervisor of the shooter, have been arrested and are currently under investigation. The detained soldiers are being held at an undisclosed location in Namayingo District.
Mr. Kibwika emphasized the need to preserve the harmony between Kenya and Uganda, highlighting their shared cultural heritage and economic ties. He stated that both countries should not stand idly by while the actions of individuals jeopardize this relationship.
The incident has underscored the importance of clearly demarcating the boundaries between Kenya and Uganda on Lake Victoria. Mr. Benard Karugaba, an officer from the Fisheries Protection Unit, stressed the need to expedite the boundary demarcation process to prevent such hostilities. He proposed that visible boundary marks should be established to allow individuals on the lake to determine whether they are in Ugandan or Kenyan waters.
Lake Victoria, shared by Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania, has been a recurring source of conflicts, particularly concerning illegal fishing activities. Incidents involving shootings, arrests by the Fisheries Protection Unit and the Kenya Coast Guards have become distressingly common. While Uganda has implemented stringent measures to combat illegal fishing, Kenya has pursued a more moderate approach. Uganda has accused Kenya of orchestrating illegal fishing on the lake.
Mr. Ruto, however, affirmed that both countries have agreed on a joint policy to eliminate illegal fishing in the lake. Under this policy, only Kenyan boats with licenses issued by the Ugandan Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industries, and Fisheries will be permitted to fish in Ugandan
