Ugandan troops accused of erasing border

By Osinde Obare and Robert Wanyonyi

Residents of North Pokot have made fresh allegations against the Uganda Peoples Defence Force (UPDF).

They claim that the soldiers were removing beacons along the Kenya-Uganda border at Kanyerus and harassing and scaring the residents.

Mr Michael Kipur, a resident, said: "It appears they plan to extend their boundary at Kanyerus and Katikmor in the larger West Pokot District."

Pokot North DC Joseph Motari said he had also reported the matter to his seniors

Last year, Ugandan soldiers were accused of damaging several pillars at Katikomor. The row was resolved diplomatically.

But a source said "proper demarcation" of the border requires huge sums of money that the two countries promised to pay.

Kacheliba constituency was administered from Kampala until 1972 when Kenya claimed it back.

Kanyerus residents said life was becoming unbearable at the border, claiming that they are harassed and their cattle confiscated when they refuse to move.

They urged the Government to intervene and stop intimidation and harassment. They alleged that the soldiers were fueling animosity between Kenyan and Ugandan communities along the border.

They also demanded re-erection of destroyed beacons to stop aggression from the Ugandan soldiers.

Former Kapenguria MP Samuel Moroto claimed UPDF officers have been uprooting beacons immediately the Migingo Island dispute heightened.

Speaking to The Standard on the telephone, Mr Moroto said the soldiers have destroyed beacons at Kacheliba and Kanyarikwat, leaving no trace of a boundary.

"What the Government should understand is that Uganda is testing our ability to protect and defend our borders," said the former MP.

No clear boundary

Moroto said there are fears the exercise may increase cattle rustling since there is no clear boundary.

He warned that locals might be forced to defend their country if the Government does not.

He said reports of Uganda’s actions along the border have been sent to Nairobi.

"The Government’s silence does not mean locals will do the same," he said.

Uganda, which has been claiming Migingo, has its flag flying on the island. The dispute came to light after more than 400 Kenyan fishermen were evicted from the island in February.

They allegedly refused to part with Sh50,000 fee charged by the Ugandan authorities.