Why Migingo Island row between Uganda and Kenya now?

Editor,  I always wonder as an East African citizen when our ‘leaders’ in this community will stop wasting tax payer’s money over issues which to me seem to be minor.

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Editor,  
I always wonder as an East African citizen when our ‘leaders’ in this community will stop wasting tax payer’s money over issues which to me seem to be minor.

Honestly, is Migingo Island, which is half an acre in size, an issue to be politised? Making life of the business community risky and stressful?

Our leaders know fully well that it is not as complicated or difficult as it is being put, so what is the issue then? Do they want the international community to intervene again?

I believe this issue is being used as a diversion by the Kenyan coalition government because the political pressure was becoming unbearable to the government of Pres. Kibaki and PM. Odinga for not fulfilling what they promised their voters.

Maybe they think that by diverting their misunderstandings to Migingo the people of Kenya will forget their problems.

Surely, this Migingo Island has been there and settled by both the Ugandan and Kenyan communities for years and years but why the scuffle now; one wonders why it is becoming a serious row now?

My question is do these countries own Lake Victoria? Both countries can find amicable solutions before things turn into the crisis again like the 2007 post-election disaster.

Please let us avoid politics of populism on Migingo Island and help the poverty stricken island natives to develop instead of engaging them on unnecessary clashes.
                           
gakireb@hotmail.com