Kibaki and Museveni in talks over disputed Migingo island in L. Victoria

Kenya President Mwai Kibaki and his Ugandan counterpart, Yoweri Museveni, are engaged in talks about a disputed island in Lake Victoria.

Foreign Affairs minister Moses Wetang'ula said on Sunday that “the status quo at the Migingo island will remain to await the resolution of pending issues between the two countries.”

He said the decision was reached in telephone conversations between the two heads of state.

Currently. Ugandan soldiers have occupied the island, forcing Kenyan fishermen to flee it in fear of attacks and Mr Wetang'ula’s statement could mean that Uganda will continue to occupy the island until the matter is resolved.

The Foreign Affairs minister called for restraint on the matter that poses a major threat to relations between Kenya and its Western neighbour and the East African Community as a whole.

“The question of Migingo is under control. We should deal with it with caution certainly since we want it to be resolved as quickly as possible. I can only assure Kenyans that the two governments are talking and will soon resolve this issue,” said Mr Wetang'ula at a press conference in his office Sunday.

He also expressed hope that the matter would be resolved soon as 'the issues on the table are not insurmountable.’

Uganda sent marine and riot police to the island on Thursday last week, heightening tensions between Kenya and Uganda.

East African Community minister Amason Kingi on said on Saturday that the prolonged dispute over the island poses a threat to the East African Community treaty and the Common Market Protocol.

The protocol is expected to usher in rights of residence, free movement of goods and services, capital, people and labour within the East African Community.

Mr Kingi said the presence of armed soldiers in Migingo contravened the East African Community treaty.

Prime Minister Raila Odinga is expected to visit Uganda in two weeks' time to discuss the matter.

The protocol is expected to usher in rights of residence, free movement of goods and services, capital, people and labour within the East African Community.

Kenya formed a four-man inter-ministerial team led by Lands minister James Orengo to address the conflict. The Kenyan and Ugandan teams hired a mapping firm late last year to survey the island and matter is now before the East African Community.

Uganda however appeared poised to fully take over the island with the sending of armed troops to the island and the presence on Saturday of a helicopter believed to belong to their military on a reconnaissance visit to Migingo.