Jinja, Uganda, 24 July 2026 — The High Commissioner of the Republic of Kenya to Uganda, H.E. Ambassador Ababu Namwamba, EGH, paid a courtesy visit to the Lake Victoria Fisheries Organization (LVFO) Secretariat in Jinja, Uganda, to gain a deeper understanding of the Organization’s mandates, programmes and contribution to the sustainable management and development of fisheries and aquaculture in the East African Community (EAC).
The High Commissioner was received by the LVFO Executive Secretary, Mr. Mukasa Tom Bukenya, together with the Deputy Executive Secretary, Mrs. Lucy Ayugi Obungu, and members of LVFO staff. The Executive Secretary welcomed the delegation and provided a brief overview of LVFO, its regional mandates and its role in coordinating fisheries and aquaculture development among the EAC Partner States.
In his address, Ambassador Namwamba commended LVFO’s leadership for its efforts to advance sustainable fisheries governance, harmonised policies, scientific collaboration and the coordinated management of shared fisheries and aquaculture resources. He emphasised that Lake Victoria remains one of East Africa’s most strategic natural assets, supporting millions of livelihoods, contributing to food and nutrition security, sustaining regional industries and facilitating trade and economic development.
Ambassador Namwamba further highlighted the importance of coordinated regional action against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated fishing through harmonised legislation, joint enforcement operations, intelligence sharing, coordinated surveillance and strengthened monitoring systems. He also underscored the need for continued investment in fisheries research, such as frame surveys, hydroacoustic stock assessments, digital fisheries information systems and knowledge management to ensure that policy decisions are informed by credible scientific evidence.
During the visit, Dr. Robert Kayanda delivered a comprehensive presentation on the history and development of LVFO, tracing the foundations of regional fisheries cooperation back to 1928, when the Lake Victoria Fisheries Service was established. He outlined the Organization’s objectives and major programme areas, including fisheries management and development; fisheries resources monitoring and research; aquaculture management and development; fish quality assurance; and the trade and marketing of fish and fishery products.
The presentation was followed by an interactive discussion during which the High Commissioner expressed appreciation for the progress made by the LVFO leadership in advancing the fisheries and aquaculture sector. He underscored the importance of inviting ambassadors of other EAC Partner States on similar visits to gain a better understanding of LVFO's mandates and extend the necessary support. He further emphasised the need to ensure that lake enforcement against illegal fishing operates under a single command within the EAC.
Mr. Bukenya highlighted the contribution of the Lake Victoria Small Fish Project, funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development, to improving the livelihoods of fishing communities. Among its interventions, the project is supporting the adoption of environmentally friendly solar-powered lamps as alternatives to kerosene lamps and promoting solar-powered fish-drying technologies. These innovations are expected to improve fish handling, reduce environmental and health risks, and enhance the quality and value of small fish products.
Mr. Bukenya also raised challenges relating to delays in the clearance of consignments containing solar lamps donated to support communities in LVFO Partner States. In response, Ambassador Namwamba advised the Secretariat to submit an official communication to the Kenya High Commission in Uganda detailing the affected consignments. He expressed his readiness to facilitate immediate follow-up with the relevant Kenyan authorities.
The High Commissioner encouraged LVFO to strengthen its engagement with ambassadors and diplomatic representatives from all EAC Partner States. He noted that closer diplomatic engagement would enhance collaboration, facilitate timely assistance and strengthen awareness of LVFO’s regional programmes and institutional needs.
The discussions also covered climate change, pollution, ecosystem degradation, cage aquaculture expansion, fisheries value-chain development, fish quality standards, cold-chain infrastructure, private-sector investment and youth participation. The High Commissioner observed that addressing these priorities would be essential to positioning the Blue Economy as a major driver of food security, employment, industrialisation and shared prosperity within the East African Community.
In her closing remarks, the Deputy Executive Secretary, Mrs. Lucy Ayugi Obungu, thanked Ambassador Namwamba for visiting the Secretariat and for his valuable guidance, encouragement and commitment to supporting LVFO. She welcomed the High Commissioner’s proposals for stronger regional collaboration and expressed appreciation for his willingness to assist the Secretariat in addressing the challenges raised during the discussions.
