Dynamics Of Lake Victoria Territorial Disputes On Kenya-Uganda Econo-Political Relations

Abstract

This study interrogates dynamics of Lake Victoria territorial disputes on Kenya-Uganda econo-political relations. From global, regional, and local perspectives, maritime territorial disputes are difficult to resolve. The problem of the study is that territorial disputes between Kenya and Uganda have adversely affected their micro econo-political relations, yet they are members of East African Community (EAC) which has established protocols for regional co-operation and integration. Relations between the two states have suffered intermittent tensions and this manifested in variations of trade volume as well as eratic political relations. Lake Victoria territorial disputes adversely affect micro econo-political activities that involve fishing communities around the lake on Migingo, Mageta, Remba, Wayasi, and Sumba islands. The study was guided by the following objectives: (1) to evaluate the impact of intractability of resource-based disputes on Kenya-Uganda econo-political relations, (2) to examine the extent to which national sovereignty influences Kenya-Uganda econo-political relations, (3) to determine the contribution of territorial integrity issues to Kenya-Uganda econo-political relations, and (4) to establish the effect of political agency on Kenya-Uganda econo-political relations. The study utilized political realism theory to interrogate the problem of study. There is a gap in the existing body of literature leading to incomprehensive policy framework that led to intractability of crossborder resource exploitation, national sovereignty, territorial integrity violations, and political agency. Little focus has been put on dynamics of territorial disputes on micro econo-political activities that involve local people at the transboundary level. Mixed method research was applied whereby both qualitative and quantitative research designs were used in data collection. Respondents for the study were sampled across the two countries. The study sample comprised officials from East African Community (EAC), Interior Ministry, Fisheries Department, local administrators, Beach Management Units (BMU) officials, key respondents, fishers and fish mongers. Purposive and random sampling techniques were used to yield data to address controversies shrouding Kenya-Uganda econo-political relations in Lake Victoria. Data collection techniques applied were interview guides and questionnaires. Research findings show that territorial contestations between Kenya and Uganda in Lake Victoria are: resource based, national sovereignty, territorial integrity issues, and political agency. These have made it difficult for amicable settlement of the dispute and impact on econo-political relations of the states. The study contributes to policy formulation at county, national, and regional levels on sustainable management and utilization of Lake Victoria resources. It provides insights on the importance for consideration of micro econo-political parameters to arrive at an amicable settlement of disputes arising from a shared water resource. In academia, the study contributes to the existing literature, and fills in the gap on micro econo-political relations of states. Most of the existing literature on interstate econo-political relations dwells on macro econo-political aspects. In conclusion, the study recommends intervention of a neutral arbiter and adequate participation of track three in dispute resolution. The study also recommends further research to be done on dynamics of ecological factors that bear on Kenya-Uganda territorial disputes in Lake Victoria.