Five of 17 fishermen released by Uganda police

Five of the 17 Kenyan fishermen who were arrested by Ugandan security personnel were released on Wednesday after paying KSh.11,000 fine each.

The 17 were arrested on Monday night when they were fishing in Lake Victoria near Remba Island in Homa Bay County.

According to Homa Bay County Beach Management Network Chairperson Edward Oremo, they had to help friends and relatives of the fishermen in collecting funds for their release.

A total of 12 fishermen are still under arrest with six detained at Kalangala island and six others at Riabana island. Both locations are in Ugandan territory.

The cause of their arrest is yet to be established as the place they are said to be apprehended, Remba island, is in Kenyan waters and three kilometers away from the Kenya-Uganda boarder on Lake Victoria.

Inspector General of police Joseph Boinnet has since warned that any fisherman who will be caught engaging in illegal activities in waters that do not belong to Kenya will face the full wrath of the law.