12 Kenyan Fishermen Arrested By Ugandan Forces For Alleged Illegal Fishing In Lake Victoria

Kenya is negotiating for the release of 12 fishermen who were arrested by Ugandan forces while fishing at Lake Victoria.

The group is said to have originated Osieko Beach and had ventured to Sigulu Island in the Ugandan side when they were nabbed on Tuesday January 28.

Their chairman reported at Port Victoria police station the group had been nabbed by Uganda’s People’s Defence Forces while on board five sailing canoes and fishing in Ugandan waters using prohibited fishing gear hook number 12.

They were escorted to Matolo police station in Sigulu Island Uganda.

The Kenya Coast Guard personnel in Bunyala were informed and said they were negotiating with the Ugandan officials for the release of the group.
Such incidents are common in the area amid calls for more campaigns for the fishermen to be aware of dos and don’ts.

There are dozens of Kenyan fishermen who are regularly arrested on the waters over the claims.
Meanwhile, police in Nambale, Busia County are pursuing a gang that attacked a petrol station and robbed the attendants of cash and valuables.

The gang of four that was riding on two motorcycles went to Leikati petrol station on Monday January 27 night in the Centre area armed with three pistols and one rifle and posed as customers.

The gang later ordered everyone present to lie down. The robbers robbed the three workers of their three mobile phones and Sh78,000.

They then entered Tavann Pub on the other side of the road, where they robbed the workers of their two mobile phones.

They also hit and injured a woman in the bar in the forehead. She was treated and discharged in stable condition.

Police said the robbers then sped off on their motorcycles towards Busia direction.

A hunt on the gang is ongoing, police said.