Government Responds to Museveni’s ‘War’ Threats Against Kenya
The Kenyan government has played down remarks made by Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, who recently hinted at the possibility of a “war” with Kenya over Uganda’s access to the Indian Ocean through the Port of Mombasa.
Museveni, while addressing Ugandans on Sunday, November 8, expressed frustration that landlocked countries like Uganda continue to depend on Kenya for access to the sea, saying it was an issue of both economic survival and national defence.
The Ugandan leader, who is preparing to contest for his eighth consecutive term in office in January next year, said Uganda deserves direct access to the Indian Ocean to facilitate trade and national security.
“Some countries, like ours, do not have direct access to the sea, which is important not just for trade but also for defence. We are stuck—how do we export our products?” Museveni questioned. He went on to add, “That is why we have had endless discussions with Kenya.
Every time one conversation ends, another begins. We discuss the railway, the pipeline, and other connections. But that ocean belongs to me. It is my ocean, and I have a right to it. If things continue this way, we might end up in wars in the future.”
Museveni’s statement quickly drew attention across East Africa, with many interpreting it as a serious threat to regional peace. However, the Kenyan government has since responded, saying the Ugandan leader’s remarks were misunderstood and taken out of context.
Speaking during a press briefing on Wednesday, November 12, Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary (PS) Dr. Korir Sing’Oei clarified that President Museveni was speaking metaphorically and not literally about war.
He explained that Museveni’s comments were more symbolic, expressing frustration over trade challenges rather than a call to arms.
“President Yoweri Museveni was speaking metaphorically rather than literally. His comments were not meant to suggest that anything had been done in the manner he described,” Dr. Sing’Oei stated.
The PS further emphasized that President Museveni understands international territorial boundaries and respects Kenya’s sovereignty. “I believe that President Museveni fully understands the nature of our territory and the principles that govern our regional cooperation,” he added.
Despite the government’s effort to downplay the matter, several regional experts have raised concerns that Museveni’s comments might strain the traditionally strong diplomatic relations between Kenya and Uganda.
Some critics have accused the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of minimizing the seriousness of Museveni’s statement instead of addressing it firmly through diplomatic channels.
Kenya and Uganda have long enjoyed close ties built on mutual cooperation in trade, transport, and regional security. The two nations share deep economic connections, with Uganda remaining one of Kenya’s largest export markets.
They are also collaborating on major cross-border infrastructure projects, including the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) extension and a proposed expressway linking Kisumu to Uganda.
Analysts believe that while Museveni’s remarks may not pose an immediate security threat, they highlight underlying frustrations within Uganda about regional trade logistics and reliance on Kenya’s transport infrastructure.
The incident, they say, should serve as a reminder for both nations to strengthen dialogue and regional cooperation to prevent any misunderstandings that could harm their long-standing friendship.
In the meantime, Nairobi has reiterated its commitment to maintaining peaceful relations with all neighbouring countries, emphasizing that diplomatic engagement remains the best approach to resolving any cross-border issues.
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