NAIROBI, Kenya — The Kenyan government has dismissed as “metaphorical” recent remarks by Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, who warned of a possible war with Kenya over access to the Indian Ocean through the Port of Mombasa.
Speaking on Sunday, November 8, Museveni — who is seeking an unprecedented eighth consecutive term in January 2026 — suggested that Uganda’s lack of direct sea access was an issue of both economic and defence significance, warning that regional tensions could escalate if unresolved.
“Some of the countries have no access to the sea, not only for economic purposes but also for defence purposes. You are stuck. How do I export my products?” Museveni said, adding, “That ocean belongs to me. Because it is my ocean. I am entitled to that ocean. In the future, we are going to have wars.”
The remarks sparked widespread concern across East Africa, with observers calling for diplomatic clarity from both sides.
However, Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs on Wednesday sought to downplay the tension, insisting that Museveni’s comments had been taken out of context.
Speaking to journalists in Nairobi, Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei clarified that the Ugandan leader’s statement was figurative, not a literal threat of war.
“President Yoweri Museveni was speaking metaphorically rather than to suggest that there was anything that was done in the manner in which he described it,” said Sing’Oei.
He further emphasized that Museveni “has a fairly great understanding of the nature of our territory and international boundaries,” expressing confidence that Uganda remains committed to regional peace.
Despite Kenya’s reassurance, regional analysts have cautioned that Museveni’s rhetoric could strain diplomatic relations between the two neighbours, whose partnership has historically been marked by strong economic, political, and security ties.
Kenya and Uganda are key trade partners within the East African Community (EAC) and have been jointly pursuing major infrastructure projects, including the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) extension to Kampala and the proposed Kisumu–Uganda expressway.
Diplomatic experts argue that Museveni’s remarks may have been politically motivated, aimed at rallying domestic support ahead of Uganda’s upcoming election.
Nonetheless, Nairobi has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining peaceful and cooperative relations with Kampala, stressing that Kenya remains Uganda’s gateway to global markets via the Indian Ocean.
