Siaya Senator and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Oburu Odinga has made a diplomatic appeal as he publicly urged Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni to address persistent harassment claims affecting Kenyan fishermen operating on Lake Victoria.

Speaking on Saturday, March 21, 2026, during the launch of the Kisumu–Malaba SGR construction, Oburu called for joint management of the shared water resource, emphasising the need for cooperation between Kenya and Uganda to end long-standing tensions.

“And Your Excellency, President, I appeal to you, please make this lake, Lake of ours, Lake Victoria, a common user facility so that you can manage the security of the lake jointly with. We don’t want harassment from our side and from your side,” he urged.

His remarks come amid growing complaints from Kenyan fishermen operating near Migingo Island, a small but contentious territory in Lake Victoria that has been the subject of repeated disputes between the two neighbouring countries.

Oburu further appealed for intervention from both Museveni and William Ruto, urging a return to historical cooperation amid blots over failure to honour the Migingo Memorundum of Understanding (MOU).

“President, I plead with you and President Ruto, please make this a common user facility. How it used to be when our forefathers were managing it without any conflict in them,” he added.

Fishermen decry extortion, intimidation

The appeal also follows alarming reports from fishermen who say they face routine harassment and extortion by Ugandan security officers.

According to Hesbon Ouko, chairperson of the Sori Beach Management Unit, Kenyan fishermen are being forced to pay illegal fees to access fishing grounds near Migingo Island.

Ouko claimed that each Kenyan fishing boat entering the disputed waters is required to pay Ksh2,000 to Ugandan patrol officers. Those who fail to comply reportedly have their boats seized until payment is made.

“We are still unable to freely conduct our fishing activities due to frequent patrols and intimidation,” Ouko said.

He added that efforts to engage Ugandan authorities have yielded little success, with officers allegedly remaining unyielding despite repeated complaints.

Frustrated by the ongoing situation, fishermen had urged the Kenyan government to step in decisively. Ouko revealed that some fishermen suspect complicity among certain Kenyan security officers, further complicating the issue.

“We have reported the matter to the police and remain hopeful that action will be taken,” he said.

The dispute over Migingo Island and surrounding waters has persisted for years, fueled by unclear maritime boundaries and competition over the lake’s rich fishing resources.

While both governments have previously pledged cooperation, implementation on the ground has remained inconsistent.