Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has moved to calm a storm of controversy sparked by his explosive remarks suggesting Uganda could one day invade Kenya to secure direct access to the Indian Ocean.
The comments, which ignited uproar across Kenya and sent social media into overdrive, were made last Sunday when Museveni claimed that access to the ocean was vital for Uganda’s economic and defence future—adding the now-viral line: “The Indian Ocean belongs to me.”
But speaking to Uganda’s national broadcaster on Friday, November 21, 2025, the President attempted to clarify the remarks, insisting they were taken out of context.
According to Museveni, his statements were rooted in a long-running advocacy for a deeper East African political federation, one that would strengthen joint security, economic cooperation, and military planning across the region.
“The issue of strategic security is why I talked about the Indian Ocean,” Museveni explained. “Even if we are together in the EAC, we do not plan defence together. Every member country has its own defence.”
He added that without coordinated defence plans, the region’s long-term security remained vulnerable.
In Nairobi, the Kenyan government swiftly moved to cool regional tempers.
Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi dismissed any suggestion of hostility, stating Kenya had no history of denying landlocked nations access to the Port of Mombasa.
Mudavadi emphasised that Kenya remains bound by international conventions protecting the rights of landlocked states—including Uganda.
“Kenya is a responsible member of the international community,” he said. “It is in our interest to facilitate any landlocked country that wishes to use the Port of Mombasa.”
He further noted that Kenya benefits economically from increased cargo traffic, pointing out:
“What would be the value of the port if it does not generate revenue?”
Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei also brushed aside fears of diplomatic tension.
“I believe he has a great understanding of our rights over natural resources, and his rights over resources in Uganda,” Sing’oei said during the briefing.
The saga began when Museveni warned that future conflicts in East Africa could emerge over ocean access, a statement many Kenyans interpreted as a threat.
Regional analysts described the comments as “reckless,” while Kenyan netizens compared it to “declaring war over imaginary borders.”
But Uganda’s Friday clarification and Kenya’s diplomatic tone now appear to have restored calm—at least for now.
✔ Museveni says his comments were about regional integration, not invasion.
✔ Kenya reiterates commitment to peaceful cooperation and trade facilitation.
✔ Both governments signal no diplomatic fallout—despite the online firestorm.
As East Africa continues its push toward deeper unity, this episode may serve as a reminder that words—especially presidential ones—carry immense regional weight.
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