Kenya and Uganda renew row over Migingo Islands

Kenyan officials have accused Uganda of establishing structures and a police unit on their Island-Ugingo, near the disputed Migingo Island on Lake Victoria.

The development is likely to escalate an on-going diplomatic row between Uganda and Kenya over the disputed border line. The Kenyan delegation that visited the area last week claimed that there is heavy presence of Uganda Police Marine Patrol Unit on both islands and demanded their withdrawal.

However, police spokesperson Judith Nabakooba yesterday said the police are not aware of any deployment on Ugingo Island. “We only have officers at Migingo Island to keep law and order in that area as part the resolution between the two countries,” Ms Nabakooba said.

Uganda and Kenya have been in dispute over Migingo Island since 2004. Last year, both countries established a team of surveyors to establish the ownership of Migingo Island.

Last week, Kenya’s Lands Minister James Orengo accused Ugandan government of massively moving people on the dispute islands to justify its territorial claims.

Another Kenyan delegation led by Nyanza Provincial Commissioner, Mr Francis Mutie, was quoted by Daily Nation on Thursday demanding an immediate withdrawal of Uganda security officials from the islands.

“There is no need for the Ugandan marine police to continue occupying the islands when the ownership is still disputed,” Mr Mutie said.

“Ugandans have been occupying Migingo Island since 2004 and this is wrong going by the available international boundary records that indicate Migingo as a Kenyan island.”

Mr Mutie said Ugandans had constructed temporary structures on Ugingo Island. “Ugingo is in Kenya and has not been a subject of dispute. We will only hold discussions over the Migingo ownership,” he said.