Bad News for Kenyans as International Law Backs Up Museveni's Remarks on Ocean Claims

Museveni’s Ocean Access Remarks Spark Debate Amid Legal Backing for Landlocked Nations

Recent comments by Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni about Uganda’s right to access the Indian Ocean have drawn both attention and ridicule from Kenyans online.

Speaking at a political rally in Kampala, Museveni emphasised Uganda’s need for direct routes to the sea, a statement that some critics viewed as overly aggressive. However, international law suggests there is a legal foundation for his position.

As a landlocked country, Uganda does not have its own coastline. The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) recognises that landlocked nations are entitled to access international waters through neighbouring states.

This allows countries like Uganda to negotiate passage through coastal countries such as Kenya or Tanzania, ensuring they can conduct trade fairly and efficiently without undue obstruction.

Legal analysts point out that Museveni’s remarks, while forceful, may reflect genuine concerns over Uganda’s reliance on ports in neighbouring countries.

Currently, Uganda depends heavily on Kenya’s Mombasa port for imports and exports.

Rising transport costs and congestion at the port have long caused frustration in Uganda, prompting calls for alternative access routes to support trade and economic growth.

Responses from Kenya have been mixed. While some citizens see Museveni’s comments as overstepping diplomatic boundaries, others acknowledge the legal rights of landlocked nations to secure sea access.

Experts suggest that the issue is less about territorial disputes and more about cooperation and regional integration within the East African Community.

The debate highlights broader concerns around trade, diplomacy, and regional relationships.

Analysts stress that negotiation and dialogue between East African states remain the most practical approach, rather than confrontational statements.

Although Museveni’s remarks may appear bold, international law clearly supports the right of landlocked countries like Uganda to pursue equitable access to the ocean, underscoring the complexity of such regional matters.