Tension on Migingo Island after Uganda police stop voter registration

Ugandan security officers stopped voter registration

at the disputed Migingo Island in Nyatike subcounty, causing tension on Tuesday.

Two IEBC clerks were registering Kenyans on the densely populated island when the officers arrested them and confiscated their equipment.

John Obunge, Migingo Island beach management unit chairman, said the clerks had registered 20 voters.

“They said the two clerks should have produced their passports before entering the island,” Obunge said.

He said it took the intervention of Kenyan officers stationed at Ugingo Island, which is 200 metres away, for the clerks to be released.

“They were released late and

housed

by Kenya administration police officers

at Ugingo Island where they continued to register Kenyans today (Wednesday),” he said.

Samuel Ochieng',

Nyatike coordinator for the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, said the process had to be stopped after the incident at about midday.

“They demanded a letter written to the Ugandan government by Kenyans government allowing us to conduct the voter registration,” he said.

Ochieng' lauded Kenyan security personnel for efforts to convince their Ugandan counterparts to permit

the registration.

“We are optimistic the negotiation process will bear fruit,” he said.

He said the IEBC is targeting 1,931 voters in Muhuru ward where the Lake Victoria island is located.