Wetang’ula, Muhoozi seek truce over fishermen harassment and shared lake resources

Wetang’ula said the talks mark a step toward harmonising security and ensuring fair access to Lake Victoria’s resources.

by BRIAN ORUTA

News08 December 2025 - 17:37

In Summary

Wetang’ula said the two sides emphasised the need for Kenya and Uganda to work together to establish a coordinated security framework for Lake Victoria.
The Speakers have been in Uganda for the ongoing East African Community (EAC) Inter-Parliamentary Games.

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National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula says he raised concerns over the equitable sharing of Lake Victoria’s resources and the harassment of Kenyan fishermen during a meeting with Ugandan Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba.

Wetang’ula, who met General Muhoozi on Monday during a courtesy call by the East African Community (EAC) Bureau of Speakers, said the discussion centred on long-standing issues affecting communities living around the shared lake.

“In a tête-à-tête meeting with General Muhoozi, I highlighted the importance of equitable sharing of the common resources of Lake Victoria,” Wetang’ula said.

He noted that harassment of Kenyan fishermen by Ugandan security personnel around Migingo Island remains a significant concern.

According to Wetang’ula, Gen. Muhoozi acknowledged the complaints and agreed that the matter requires joint attention from both governments.

Wetang’ula said the two sides emphasised the need for Kenya and Uganda to work together to establish a coordinated security framework for Lake Victoria.

“Of concern to me also was the issue of harassment faced by Kenyan fishermen from Uganda's lake security forces in Migingo, an issue acknowledged by Gen. Muhoozi. We emphasised the necessity for both countries to collaborate in developing a common security architecture for the lake.”

Such a framework, he added, would protect the lake’s ecosystem, safeguard the environment, and ensure fair access to shared resources.

“This approach aims to safeguard its ecosystem, environment, and shared resources,” he stated.

During the meeting, Gen. Muhoozi also commended the ongoing EAC Parliamentary Games, describing them as an important initiative that strengthens unity and people-to-people ties across the region.

Wetang’ula said the Bureau of Speakers will continue engaging regional leaders to deepen cooperation on shared interests and resolve cross-border challenges affecting East Africans.

The courtesy call is part of ongoing consultations aimed at enhancing collaboration within the EAC, especially on cross-border security, resource management and community relations around shared natural assets like Lake Victoria.

The Speakers have been in Uganda for the ongoing East African Community (EAC) Inter-Parliamentary Games.

The games represent more than a sporting contest as they provide a vital platform that brings together legislators from across the region, united in our resolve to strengthen, advance and deepen East African integration.