Kenya has firmly dismissed Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni’s warnings about possible wars over access to the Indian Ocean, reiterating its commitment to international law and regional stability. The statement came after Museveni criticized the restriction of landlocked nations from key maritime routes, calling it “unfair” and hinting that such policies could lead to future conflicts.
Speaking during a briefing on Sunday, November 9, Museveni compared Africa to a shared apartment block, saying coastal nations should not “claim exclusive ownership of the ocean.” He argued that countries like Uganda face challenges in developing naval forces or negotiating infrastructure partnerships, such as railway and pipeline projects, due to limited ocean access.
How Did Kenya React to Museveni’s Remarks?
Kenya’s response came during the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ third quarterly media briefing, where Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei sought to ease public concerns and reaffirm the country’s diplomatic stance. He emphasized that Kenya respects territorial boundaries and remains guided by international law.
“I will not comment much on what Museveni said with respect to our oceans, but I believe very much that he has a fairly great understanding with respect to the nature of our territory, and the nature of our rights with respect to our natural resources, and his rights with natural resources in Ugandan territory,” said Sing’Oei.
He also used the platform to highlight the progress of President William Ruto’s foreign policy, noting that the government continues to prioritize peace, regional cooperation, and development. “This forum provided an opportunity for us to update the general public on the ministry’s milestones, priorities, and progress in advancing Kenya’s foreign policy objectives. We highlighted our relationship with countries in the East African Community, peace and security issues, as well as diaspora-related matters,” he added in a social media post after the briefing.
How Did Kenyans React to Museveni’s War Claims?
Museveni’s remarks quickly went viral, sparking widespread debate among Kenyans online. Many social media users mocked the Ugandan president’s comments, calling his statements “impractical” and questioning the logic behind a potential conflict. Others humorously argued that even if Uganda were granted access to the ocean, logistical barriers would make it nearly impossible to transport goods through Kenya’s ports.
Despite the tension, Kenya’s response underscores its focus on diplomacy over confrontation, maintaining that peace and cooperation remain the foundation of its engagement with neighboring countries.
By Lucky Anyanje