Ugandan Military Visits Kenya for Benchmarking Amid Debate Over Museveni’s Remarks
Tension between Kenya and Uganda has continued to grow following President Yoweri Museveni’s controversial remarks about access to the Indian Ocean.
While Kenyans are still debating his comments, a team from the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) arrived in Kenya on Wednesday for a benchmarking visit with the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF).
According to a statement from the KDF, the UPDF delegation visited the Defence Forces Welfare Services (DEFWES) to learn how Kenya supports the welfare and well-being of its soldiers and their families. The visit was part of an exchange programme meant to strengthen cooperation and improve the living standards of military personnel in both countries.
President Museveni recently made headlines after warning of possible future conflict with Kenya and other coastal nations if landlocked East African countries like Uganda continue to face difficulties accessing the Indian Ocean.
During a televised interview, Museveni expressed concern over Uganda’s limited access to sea routes, which he said affects the country’s ability to export goods efficiently. He questioned how Uganda could continue to grow economically without direct sea access.
He remarked, “We have had endless discussions with Kenya—about the railway, the oil pipeline, and many other things. But that ocean belongs to me because it is my ocean. I am entitled to it. If things don’t change, in the future we will have wars.”
Meanwhile, the UPDF delegation, led by Deputy Commander Land Force Major General Francis Takirwa, visited Moi Air Base in Eastleigh, Nairobi.
The visit aimed at strengthening bilateral military relations and encouraging institutional learning between the two defense forces.
During their tour, both armies exchanged ideas on welfare policies and practical ways to improve the social and economic support offered to soldiers and their families.
The Ugandan officers also paid a courtesy call on Kenya Air Force Commander, Major General Bernard Waliaula, who urged them to adopt best practices that could improve welfare systems in Uganda’s military institutions.
The team further toured the DEFWES Headquarters warehouse and DEFWES Mall in Embakasi, where they gained insights into Kenya’s operational systems, service delivery, and innovative approaches to supporting military personnel.
Speaking during the visit, Major General Takirwa praised the KDF for its well-organized and modern welfare system, noting that Kenya’s approach could serve as a model for the entire region.
He emphasized the importance of collaboration among East African countries to enhance the living standards of soldiers and promote regional stability.
Even as Museveni’s remarks continue to spark heated debate among Kenyans, the Kenyan government has called for calm.
On Wednesday, November 12, Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei clarified that President Museveni’s comments were misunderstood and should not be taken literally.
Speaking to journalists, Sing’Oei explained that the Ugandan leader’s statements were metaphorical and meant to highlight broader issues of regional trade and cooperation rather than a direct threat to Kenya’s sovereignty.
The visit by the Ugandan military, therefore, comes at a time when both countries are keen on maintaining strong ties despite the public uproar over Museveni’s remarks.
Kenyan officials have emphasized that the partnership between the KDF and UPDF remains solid, focusing on mutual growth, peace, and security across the region.
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