Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni sparked controversy on November 8, warning of a potential war with Kenya if landlocked East African nations continue to face restrictions accessing the Indian Ocean. Museveni, who is seeking an eighth consecutive term in January 2025, argued that Uganda has the right to the ocean for both economic and defense purposes.
“Some countries have no access to the sea, not only for economic purposes but also for defence purposes. You are stuck. How do I export my products?” Museveni questioned, adding, “That is why we have had endless discussions with Kenya. This one stops, another comes. The railway and the pipeline – we discuss. But that ocean belongs to me. Because it is my ocean. I am entitled to that ocean. In the future, we are going to have wars.”
However, Kenya’s government has dismissed the remarks as being taken out of context. Addressing journalists on November 12, Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei explained that Museveni’s statements were metaphorical rather than literal threats.
“President Yoweri Museveni was speaking metaphorically rather than to suggest that there was anything that was done in the manner in which he described it,” said Sing’Oei. He further emphasized that the Ugandan President understands international territorial laws, noting, “I believe very much that he has a fairly great understanding with respect to the nature of our territory.”
Despite the reassurance, some experts warn that Museveni’s comments could strain Kenya-Uganda diplomatic relations. Historically, the two countries have maintained strong ties, underpinned by economic cooperation, security agreements, and shared infrastructure projects such as the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) and the Kisumu-Uganda expressway.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ response aims to calm public concern while highlighting the ongoing collaborative efforts between Kenya and Uganda. Analysts say maintaining these partnerships is crucial for regional stability and continued economic growth.
Kenya remains committed to upholding diplomatic dialogue and cooperation with Uganda, signaling that despite heated rhetoric, the bilateral relationship is built on mutual respect and shared development goals.
