Kisumu, 3/10/07
 
KENYAN FISHERMEN ASSURED OF FREE FISHING IN UGANDA WATERS OF LAKE VICTORIA

By Leo Odera Omolo

Ugandan Government has assured Kenyan fishermen that from now onwards, they will be free to carry out fishing expedition into Ugandan side of Lake Victoria waters with no molestation as it has been the practice in the recent past.

The visiting Ugandan Minister of State made the assurance for Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries Mr Fred Mukisa.

The Minister made the assurance in the company of his Kenyan counterpart Hon Joseph Munyao during a tour of Nairobi International Trade Fair

He said Uganda government has already harmonized the differences, which has existed between the two countries and that Kenyan fishermen were now free to do their business without fear of arrest or harassment.

'There were some people who are doing things that were not sanctioned by our government on the Lake.But today no arrest will be made should Kenyan fishermen cross into Ugandan Waters', he said

The previous frequent arrests of Kenyan fishermen by the combined security personnel and officials of the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has strained diplomatic relations between the two countries which are partners of the East African Community (EAC).

Mukisa said the two sisters states in the much enlarged EAC are currently working on how to harmonize trade between them in a move aimed at promoting a joint market.

'We need to exchange ideas among our farmers. We need to have a bigger market created but if there is suspicion among ourselves the we cannot realize our goals' he added.

'As the East African Community, we need to work on value added.

The Minister said farmers in Kenya would train their Ugandan counterparts so that Uganda is not left behind international markets.

Kenya's Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Joseph Munyao led the team of officials.

Ends

leooderaomolo@yahoo.com