President William Ruto has dismissed growing controversy over remarks made by Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni regarding access to the Indian Ocean, accusing sections of the media of blowing the issue out of proportion and misrepresenting Uganda’s position.
Speaking in Tororo, Uganda, during the groundbreaking ceremony for the Devki Mega Steel Plant, President Ruto strongly defended Museveni, saying journalists had distorted the Ugandan leader’s comments and created unnecessary tension between the two neighbouring countries.
According to Ruto, the reporting around Museveni’s earlier statement—where he spoke about Uganda’s landlocked status and mentioned possible future conflicts over access to the sea—was exaggerated by the media and did not reflect the true spirit in which the remarks were made.
“Some journalists tried to push the narrative that Uganda wants access to the sea at all costs,” Ruto told the gathering.
“Let me assure those spreading negativity that Kenya and Uganda are brotherly nations, and nothing has changed about that.”
Background to the Storm
The uproar began on November 11 when President Museveni, while addressing a domestic audience, expressed frustration about Uganda lacking direct access to the Indian Ocean.
He warned that regional disputes could emerge within the East African Community (EAC) if landlocked nations were denied maritime routes.
“Where is my ocean? I am entitled to that ocean,” Museveni said during the controversial address.
“In future, we are going to have wars.”
The statement quickly sparked heated debate in Kenya, with many interpreting the comments as a threat or territorial demand.
Political commentators, social media users, and a section of Kenyan leaders accused the Ugandan president of making inflammatory remarks directed at Nairobi.
Ruto used his Tororo speech to calm the growing diplomatic unease, stressing that Uganda’s access to the Indian Ocean through Kenyan territory remains guaranteed and uncontested.
He urged citizens on both sides of the border to ignore what he called “negative engagement” and refocus on the strong bilateral ties that have existed for decades.
“We do not have time for unnecessary quarrels,” Ruto said.
“Uganda continues to access the sea through Kenya without any issue. Those who want to spread alarm or divisive narratives should give us a break. We are committed to development, not tension.”
Ruto noted that the longstanding partnership between the two nations—spanning trade, infrastructure, and regional security—remains stronger than the narratives being pushed online.
Call for Economic Collaboration
Ruto also used his platform in Uganda to highlight his government’s push for privatization and regional investment partnerships. He invited Uganda to explore joint investment ventures, particularly in the Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC), which he described as a strategic asset for East Africa.
“The Government of Kenya will be divesting up to 65 percent,” Ruto revealed.
“Uganda has expressed readiness to co-invest with us. This is how regional cooperation should work—through shared opportunities and shared growth.”
His comments underscore Nairobi’s intention to strengthen economic links with Kampala, especially in energy infrastructure and transport logistics.
Ruto concluded his address by emphasizing the importance of East African unity and the need to prioritize practical issues affecting citizens, such as job creation and investment expansion.
According to him, Kenya and Uganda must continue positioning themselves as partners—not adversaries—in their pursuit of regional economic advancement.
“We must work together to deepen integration and create opportunities for our young people,” he said.
“Our focus is on progress, not controversy.”
According to Ruto, the reporting around Museveni’s earlier statement—where he spoke about Uganda’s landlocked status and mentioned possible future conflicts over access to the sea—was exaggerated by the media and did not reflect the true spirit in which the remarks were made.
“Some journalists tried to push the narrative that Uganda wants access to the sea at all costs,” Ruto told the gathering.
“Let me assure those spreading negativity that Kenya and Uganda are brotherly nations, and nothing has changed about that.”
Background to the Storm
The uproar began on November 11 when President Museveni, while addressing a domestic audience, expressed frustration about Uganda lacking direct access to the Indian Ocean.
He warned that regional disputes could emerge within the East African Community (EAC) if landlocked nations were denied maritime routes.
“Where is my ocean? I am entitled to that ocean,” Museveni said during the controversial address.
“In future, we are going to have wars.”
The statement quickly sparked heated debate in Kenya, with many interpreting the comments as a threat or territorial demand.
Political commentators, social media users, and a section of Kenyan leaders accused the Ugandan president of making inflammatory remarks directed at Nairobi.
Ruto used his Tororo speech to calm the growing diplomatic unease, stressing that Uganda’s access to the Indian Ocean through Kenyan territory remains guaranteed and uncontested.
He urged citizens on both sides of the border to ignore what he called “negative engagement” and refocus on the strong bilateral ties that have existed for decades.
“We do not have time for unnecessary quarrels,” Ruto said.
“Uganda continues to access the sea through Kenya without any issue. Those who want to spread alarm or divisive narratives should give us a break. We are committed to development, not tension.”
Ruto noted that the longstanding partnership between the two nations—spanning trade, infrastructure, and regional security—remains stronger than the narratives being pushed online.
Call for Economic Collaboration
Ruto also used his platform in Uganda to highlight his government’s push for privatization and regional investment partnerships. He invited Uganda to explore joint investment ventures, particularly in the Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC), which he described as a strategic asset for East Africa.
“The Government of Kenya will be divesting up to 65 percent,” Ruto revealed.
“Uganda has expressed readiness to co-invest with us. This is how regional cooperation should work—through shared opportunities and shared growth.”
His comments underscore Nairobi’s intention to strengthen economic links with Kampala, especially in energy infrastructure and transport logistics.
Ruto concluded his address by emphasizing the importance of East African unity and the need to prioritize practical issues affecting citizens, such as job creation and investment expansion.
According to him, Kenya and Uganda must continue positioning themselves as partners—not adversaries—in their pursuit of regional economic advancement.
“We must work together to deepen integration and create opportunities for our young people,” he said.
“Our focus is on progress, not controversy.”
