Kenyans asked to leave Migingo island

Migingo Island, Lake Victoria. The Kenyan and Ugandan governments are embroiled in a tussle over the island's ownership. PHOTO/ ELISHA OTIENO

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Row over Migingo island ownership deepens after Uganda tells traders to leave or apply for 'residency' status after paying Sh500.

The row over the ownership of Migingo Island in Lake Victoria intensified Thursday after the Ugandan Government asked Kenyans to leave or apply for temporary residence.

Kenyans visiting the island are asked to apply for “residency status” after paying Sh500.

A notice signed by a Ugandan Marine police officer says in part, “We reserve the right to accept or reject any application without giving any reason.”

Kenya and Uganda are locked in a dispute over the tiny island, with each side claiming ownership. Prime Minister Raila Odinga is expected to lead a Kenyan delegation to Uganda later this month for talks aimed at resolving the row.

The Migingo beach management unit chairman Juma Ombori said copies of the notice had been pinned on various buildings on the island including hotels and bars.

“The security officers have warned those who defy the latest directive that they risked being arrested and prosecuted for breaching immigration regulations,” said Mr Ombori.

He said Kenyan fishermen going to the island were being screened, with marine police stationed at the boat landing bay permanently to monitor “strangers going to the island”.

Fishermen said the latest move was calculated to chase away all Kenyans who live or trade on the island.

“The Ugandans have now literally taken over Migingo Island and any talk about on-going negotiations is a waste of time,” Mr Ombori said.

The latest developments follows accusations from Uganda that Kenya’s interest in the island is aimed at Nairobi controlling the rich fisheries resources in the area.

The Lake Basin Development Authority wants to be involved in talks to resolve the dispute.

Chairman Zablon Olang’ said his agency was an interested party because the result of the impending talks would affect development in the entire basin.

Mr Olang’ said Thursday that if the talks were ruled in favour of Uganda then the basin would suffer due to reduced fish supply and loss of livelihood. He was speaking on the sidelines of a forum organised by the authority to discuss the outcome of its Rapid Results Initiative.