Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has reignited a long-standing debate over Uganda’s right to access the Indian Ocean, warning that unresolved disputes with Kenya could escalate into regional conflict. Speaking publicly, Museveni expressed frustration over more than three decades of stalled negotiations.
According to the President, frequent changes in Kenya’s leadership have repeatedly reset progress on talks, leaving Uganda without direct access to the ocean. “Uganda also has a right to the Indian Ocean. It does not belong to Kenya alone,” Museveni said, emphasizing the strategic importance of a coastal outlet for his country.
Museveni stressed that ocean access is not just about trade but also about national security. He highlighted Uganda’s need to develop a navy to protect its interests and ensure safe passage for goods, arguing that continued denial could pose risks for future regional stability.
The President’s comments came amid rising tensions over cross-border trade and transport issues. Uganda’s landlocked status has long made it dependent on Kenya’s Mombasa port for imports and exports, and delays or disruptions have fueled frustration in Kampala.
Kenya, however, maintains its commitment to regional cooperation. Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi reiterated Kenya’s willingness to honor international transit rights, assuring that Uganda continues to have access to the Mombasa port. Mudavadi emphasized that both nations have a shared interest in peace and economic collaboration despite ongoing frictions.
Analysts say the issue reflects deeper challenges in East Africa’s regional politics. While Uganda seeks to assert greater independence over trade routes, Kenya is cautious about setting precedents that could affect its own economic and security interests.
Museveni’s statements are likely to spark debate both within Uganda and across the region. Observers note that the strong language about possible future conflicts could pressure Kenya to accelerate negotiations, though it may also heighten diplomatic sensitivities.
The call for Indian Ocean access is not entirely new. Uganda has previously raised the matter in bilateral talks, regional forums, and international platforms, but tangible progress has been slow. The President’s recent warning underscores the urgency of the matter for Kampala.
Regional leaders and trade experts stress that cooperative solutions are essential. Ensuring Uganda’s access to international waters could boost trade efficiency, reduce costs for Ugandan businesses, and strengthen economic ties in East Africa.
As the issue unfolds, both governments face a delicate balancing act: safeguarding national interests while maintaining peace and fostering regional collaboration. The coming months will be critical in determining whether this decades-old dispute can be resolved peacefully or if it escalates into a more serious confrontation.
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