Kenyan and Ugandan governments have struck a deal that will see Kenyan fishermen operating in Migingo Island freely on the Ugandan waters.
In the deal, Ugandan security personnel will also be allowed to cross over to Kenyan beaches for food and medical supplies in a move expected to help reduce tension on the disputed island.
Speaking from the island, Nyatike Sub-county Commissioner James Namtala said the agreement was reached after a joint meeting by senior government and security personnel from both Kenya and Uganda.
“We are glad that we have found a solution to this problem. Our fishermen will now be able to go on with their activities without fear of arrests,” he said.
JOINT UNIT
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The leaders also agreed to have a joint Beach Management Unit (BMU), which will have officials from both Kenya and Uganda as opposed to the current set up where each country has its own officials.
This had earlier been disputed by the Ugandan leaders, who had accused their Kenyan counterparts of misappropriation of levies collected from beach users.
Namtalla said that under the current arrangement, Ugandan BMU has been charging the Kenyan fishermen Sh4,000 per boat.
On security, the two countries also agreed on standard operating procedures on the island where each side will now have 12 police officers on the island, with each team being headed by an officer of the same rank.
“We also agreed that any Kenyan arrested by the Ugandan police officers will be handed over to the Kenyan police officers. We do not want to see incidents where Kenyans are arrested, held and charged by the Ugandan officers without consulting their Kenyan counterparts,” he said.
NEW ERA
The two countries also agreed to form a joint investigation team with representatives from both countries.
The Ugandan team at the meeting was headed by Samwel Hasaka, the Resident District
Commissioner for Bugiri, who was accompanied by several security officials from Uganda.
Namtalla on the other hand was accompanied by several officers who included officials from the Fisheries and Immigration departments and the police.
Kenyan fishermen operating on the island hailed the move and expressed optimism that it will herald a new dawn for both Kenyans and Ugandans on the island.
“We are happy that the two countries have now agreed to address the issues affecting us. We are confident that the resolutions reached will lead to a lasting solution to all problems affecting the island,” said Jack Owiti, a fisherman operating on the island.
He also called on the officials from the two countries to hold regular meetings to ensure the resolutions are implemented.
The Migingo island row, which dates back to President Kibaki era, had strained relations between Kenya and Uganda, with Kenyan MPs calling for decisive action to protect Kenyans on the island from harassment by Ugandan authorities.
During his inaugural speech, President Uhuru Kenyatta promised to help resolve the standoff.
