The row between Uganda and Kenya over the ownership of Migingo islands in Lake Victoria is expected to end once a joint survey by the two countries is complete, Prime Minister Raila Odinga and Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni have said.
During talks at the State House in Kampala last evening, the two leaders called for a speedy completion of the survey.
The survey was grounded to a halt after surveyors called it off to consult their respective governments on details of the island's location.
President Museveni however noted that Kenya had the least portion of Lake Victoria waters compared to its neighbors. He further added that he was keen to see an end to the tribulations of fishermen struggling to earn a living out of the lake.
Kenya's Raila Odinga said Kenya was equally determined to finding an amicable solution to the row. He said Kenya and Uganda were too dependent on each other to disagree over territories.
The two leaders recalled their long ties to each other's country saying it was even more reason why they needed to find a lasting solution to the cross border problems.
Museveni said he had long-standing and emotional ties with Kenya, having spent time in the country during his battle to take over Uganda.
The talks between the two leaders focused on cross border security, trade issues, cattle rustling and losses incurred by landlocked countries due to delays at the Port of Mombassa.
The leaders agreed to initiate a joint sensitization exercise along the borders to educate pastoral communities on alternative economic activities including farming and settlement as a means of ending the cattle rustling menace.
They also added that cattle rustling would be wiped out if both governments willingly pursued and extradited rustlers who fled across the border.
Cattle rustling, the leaders said, had impeded development among the communities on both sides of the border.
