Ugandan security forces have rejected an attempt by Kenyan authorities to raise a flag on the disputed Migingo Island, in the latest incident that could indicate that the long-drawn conflict is far from over.
The Ugandans pulled down a Kenyan flag that had been hoisted on the fishing island in Lake Victoria, despite an initial agreement for joint policing of the one-acre piece of rock surrounded by fish-rich water.
“They pulled down the flag and warned the Kenyan police deployed on the island against making such attempts again,” said Migingo beach management unit chairman, Mr John Obunge. Although the island is being co-manned by Kenyan and Ugandan security forces, only the Ugandan flag is allowed to fly.
To avoid a potential clash, the Kenyan security forces backed down after the aggressive Ugandan officers pulled down the flag and removed the post. But Kenyan fishermen taunted the Ugandans for disrespecting the Kenyan flag.
Migori county police commandant Mr Joseph Nthenge described the situation as calm soon after the incident. “The flag was hoisted by other civil servants and not the police,” he said. Mr Obunge and other fishermen, however, disputed this saying that it was the police who put up the flag.