Ugandans settle on Ugingo Island

By Nick Oluoch

Kisumu County

Ugandans are settling on a Kenyan island in Lake Victoria after their soldiers invaded it two weeks ago.

In the past two days, Ugandans have been moving from Bugiri to Ugingo Island, under the protection of Ugandan police officers.

The have started putting up structures with the help of the officers.

Until last month, Ugingo has been undisputedly a Kenyan territory.

According to Kenyan fishermen, it is now evident that the Uganda Government has plans to take charge of the entire islands on Lake Victoria.

"The houses being constructed are for Kenyans to rent" Paul Odhiambo, a fisherman based on the island said adding that they were surprised that instead of waiting for the Migingo row to be solved, Ugandans have seen it necessary to start another row with Kenya.

The fishermen also reported that the officers have been clearing bushes on Ugingo Island in preparation for human settlement.

Two weeks ago, Ugandan Government posted an additional eight marine police officers to join 30 others who have been staying on the island.

Fishermen are calling on the Kenyan government to move in and ensure that Ugandan authorities do not take over the island.

Millions of shillings

"We fear Ugandan officers will start harassing us and extorting money as it is happening in Migingo. We want the government to act," said Juma Ombori, the chairman of the Migingo Beach Management Unit.

The tiny island in Lake Victoria has plenty of fish making it a target of Ugandans.

Fishing activities on the rocky island have turned some Kenyans and Ugandans into instant millionaires.

According to records from Fisheries Departments in Kenya and Uganda, hundreds of tonnes of Nile perch fish worth millions of shillings are fished daily at the Island.