Government makes recommendations on transnational organized crime on Lake Victoria

Interior Principal Secretary Dr Raymond Omollo. [File, Standard]

The Interior Ministry is pushing for establishing a Regional Maritime Rescue Coordination Center for Lake Victoria to curb transnational organized crime and border governance.

Speaking during a workshop on countering transnational threats on Lake Victoria by enhancing border security capacities and coordination between authorities in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo commended the collaboration among the three countries.

"The establishment of the regional working group, consisting of officers from key border agencies in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania has played a pivotal role in advancing our regional security and cooperation," he said.

Omollo said the center will be a crucial hub for coordinating information sharing and rescue operations.

"In Kisumu, we began crucial discussions on border governance institutions and regulatory frameworks. In Entebbe, we validated assessment reports and made the strategic decision to invite the East African Community to join our efforts. 

Most recently in Mwanza, we focused on building the capacities of our border authorities through the provision of equipment and comprehensive training programs," Omollo added.

Among other recommendations aimed at streamlining the fishing industry include harmonization of fishing regulations and law enforcement frameworks across the three countries, expansion of joint training programs for frontline officials and the gazettement of more ports of entry and fish landing sites.