We want to know whether we are Kenyans or Ugandans, Migingo fishermen tell State

Kenyan fishermen want the dispute over Migingo Island solved to stop their continued harassment by Ugandan security forces.

There are plans for fresh talks between Kenya and Uganda to end the row over the island, which both countries lay claim to.

“We want the location of Migingo to be determined so we know if we are in Uganda or Kenya, this dispute should end,” said Mr John Obunge, Migingo beach management unit chairman.

Government officials recently promised that the matter would be looked at afresh by the two countries. However, this is yet to happen and the fishermen are an angry lot now.

“We want to know our fate so that if it is determined that Migingo is in Uganda, we can start abiding by the country’s laws. And we cannot continue waiting forever,” Mr Obunge added.

Previous efforts to determined the boundary collapsed after Ugandan surveyors pulled out “to consult their government”.

Local fishermen complain that Ugandan security forces have been harassing them and imposing illegal levies on them.

The row has been brewing since 2004. Migori Governor Okoth Obado said the continued harassment of Kenyan security forces and fishermen by the Ugandans is undermining the spirit of the East African Community.

To retaliate, Kenyan traders have cut off food supplies to the Ugandan police. The Ugandans normally get their supplies from the nearby mainland beaches in Kenya such as Muhuru, Nyandiwa and Mugabo.
A recent Joint Border Commission meeting in Eldoret heard that coordinators from both sides will be appointed to determine where the island falls.