The African Human Rights Bureau, led by Executive Director Dan Alila, is urging the Kenyan government to clarify the status of Migingo Island following a joint survey conducted with Uganda in 2014.
Alila has expressed concerns that the findings of this taxpayer-funded survey have neither been made public nor implemented, leaving many Kenyans in the dark about the island’s true ownership.
Appearing before the Parliamentary Committee for Foreign Affairs, Alila emphasized the need for transparency regarding the report, stating, “Kenyans deserve to know whether Migingo Island is part of Kenya or Uganda.” He pointed out the contradiction of having a Kenyan Assistant Chief overseeing the island while it is primarily guarded by Ugandan security forces, as Uganda also claims the territory.
Migingo Island, which lacks essential public services such as a school or government health facility, has been a site of contention for years. In 2018, efforts by local residents, led by the Assistant Chief, to establish an Early Childhood Education center were thwarted when Ugandan security forces dismantled the structure.
Despite the ongoing dispute, general elections in Kenya have historically included Migingo Island, which currently has over 52 registered voters, according to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). The lack of clarity surrounding the island’s status continues to fuel tensions and uncertainty among its residents.
As the debate over Migingo Island persists, Kenyans await a definitive response from their government regarding the findings of the joint survey and the future of the island.
