More Ugandan soldiers land on Migingo

By Mangoa Mosota

A contingent of armed Ugandan soldiers arrived on the disputed Migingo Island on Lake Victoria, sending locals into panic.

The nine security officers arrived on the island Friday afternoon, bringing the number of Ugandan security officers to 30.

"They arrived in a motor boat armed with heavy weapons that included rocket launchers," Paul Odhiambo told The Standard On Saturday.

He said Kenyans were surprised at the turn of events, as they expected the 18 Ugandan officers, who have been in the area for close to two years, to leave after President Kibaki said the island belongs to Kenya.

The soldiers allegedly told the fishermen that they had come to offer additional support to their colleagues.

Nyanza PC Francis Mutie could not be reached on phone for comment as his phone went unanswered.

During Madaraka Day celebrations, President Kibaki said Migingo and Ugingo lie on Kenyan territory hence there should be no cause of alarm on the issue.

The Migingo dispute started two years ago when Ugandans lay claim to the fish-rich island. A survey team found that the island is on the Kenyan side of the lake.