Kampala — The deadline for the joint technical team to demarcate the boundary between Uganda and Kenya in Lake Victoria has been extended to the end of June.

This was decided yesterday during talks between President Yoweri Museveni and his Kenyan counterpart Mwai Kibaki on the disputed ownership of Migingo Island.

The meeting took place at Ngurdoto Resort, near Arusha, where the presidents were attending the East African Community summit.

"The two leaders agreed that a joint survey team, which was directed by the two governments to carry out a joint survey of the boundary on Lake Victoria, should conclude its work expeditiously and in any case not later than 60 days from today," a statement said.

Earlier, the technical team had been given up to May 14 to complete the work and present its findings.

Pending the completion of the exercise, the Ugandan flag on Migingo will remain lowered, the statement further said, adding that the Police chiefs of both countries will "constantly consult to ensure that law and order is maintained on the island".

It did not specify which country should police the island in the interim-period. Earlier, on April 2, the two Police bosses had agreed that Uganda would continue to provide security as an interim measure.

The leaders in Arusha further resolved that they would continue consulting each other regularly "to ensure that the matter is settled amicably in the spirit of the East African co-operation".

Uganda lowered its flag on Migingo Island on Monday, on instructions of Museveni.