Tension In Uganda as Ruto Govt Responds Back To Museveni Over War Threats To Indian Ocean

The Kenyan government has played down remarks made by Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni that hinted at possible “war” between Uganda and Kenya over access to the Indian Ocean. 

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the comments were misunderstood and should not cause alarm between the two East African neighbors.

President Museveni, who has led Uganda since 1986, spoke during a public address on Sunday, November 8. He said that Uganda, being a landlocked country, needed access to the Indian Ocean for both economic and security reasons. 

According to him, countries without direct access to the sea face serious challenges when it comes to trade and defense.

Museveni explained that Uganda has often faced delays and complications when using the Port of Mombasa to export goods. 

“Some of the 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?” he asked. 

He added that the ocean “belongs” to Uganda as well, suggesting that if such issues continued, it could lead to conflict in the future.

However, the Kenyan government responded quickly to calm tensions. Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Dr. Korir Sing’Oei clarified that Museveni’s remarks were not to be taken literally. 

Speaking to journalists on Wednesday, November 12, Sing’Oei said the Ugandan President was “speaking metaphorically rather than to suggest that there was any real threat of war.”

The PS added that President Museveni fully understands the boundaries of Kenya’s territory and international law. 

“I believe very much that he has a great understanding of the nature of our territory,” said Sing’Oei. 

He assured Kenyans that the relationship between Nairobi and Kampala remains strong and that both governments continue to cooperate on key regional projects.

Experts have, however, expressed concern that such strong remarks could affect the warm diplomatic relations that Kenya and Uganda have built for decades. 

The two countries share many economic and social ties, including trade routes, electricity supply, and infrastructure projects like the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR). 

Uganda relies heavily on Kenyan ports and roads for its imports and exports, while Kenya benefits from trade with its western neighbor.

Some political analysts believe that Museveni’s statements were aimed more at his local audience than at Kenya. 

Uganda is heading into a presidential election in January 2026, and Museveni is seeking his eighth consecutive term. 

Analysts say his comments might have been meant to appeal to Ugandan voters by showing strength and patriotism rather than signaling any real threat to Kenya.

Kenya’s Foreign Ministry emphasized that peaceful dialogue remains the foundation of East African unity. 

“Kenya values its friendship with Uganda and all partner states in the region,” said an official in the ministry. 

The statement also highlighted ongoing collaborations between the two countries, including plans for a new expressway from Kisumu to the Ugandan border and efforts to improve railway transport to boost trade.

Ordinary citizens in both countries have also called for calm, urging their leaders to avoid words that could cause unnecessary tension. 

Many Kenyans on social media said they believe the issue will be resolved diplomatically, as both countries have too much to gain from cooperation rather than conflict.