Mudavadi Meets Museveni Amid Tensions Over Indian Ocean Access Remarks
Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs Minister Musalia Mudavadi has met Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni in a diplomatic push to reinforce regional cooperation after recent remarks by the Ugandan leader sparked debate over access to the Indian Ocean.
The high-level meeting took place on Thursday, November 20, at the Mayuge State Lodge in eastern Uganda, and was also attended by Kenya’s High Commissioner to Uganda, Joash Maangi, alongside other senior officials from both governments.
According to a statement from Mudavadi’s office, the discussions centred on strengthening political, economic, and security ties between the two neighbouring states, in line with the East African Community’s long-standing goal of deeper integration.
“The regional ties championed by both nations remain focused on building a politically united, secure and prosperous East Africa through economic, social and political cooperation,” the statement noted.
Mudavadi emphasised that President William Ruto and President Museveni remained firmly aligned on key regional priorities, including stability, trade, and shared development.
“Presidents William Ruto and Museveni will continue building bridges that benefit the citizens of both nations,” his office said in a message posted on social media.
The two leaders also exchanged views on a range of bilateral and regional issues, although neither government disclosed specific details of the discussions.
Context: Museveni’s Comments Spark Public Debate
The meeting came shortly after President Museveni generated regional attention with comments he made during a media interview, in which he appeared to warn that landlocked Uganda could face conflict in the future if permanently denied unrestricted access to the Indian Ocean for its exports.
The Ugandan leader underscored what he described as a strategic economic necessity for his country, stating:
“That is why we have had endless discussions with Kenya. We discuss the railway and the pipeline, but that ocean belongs to me. I am entitled to that ocean. In the future, we are going to have wars.”
His comments triggered online debate and media speculation about possible diplomatic tensions between Nairobi and Kampala.
Kenya Responds: ‘Remarks Taken Out of Context’
Kenya moved swiftly to downplay the remarks, insisting that no confrontation was looming between the two countries.
Mudavadi, speaking in a statement issued on November 20, said the comments had been misinterpreted and should not be taken literally.
“I want to assure you that we are not going to go to war, and we as a country have always, since time immemorial, provided safe passage and free passage for goods from landlocked countries,” he said.
Uganda relies heavily on Kenya’s Mombasa Port for its imports and exports, and both countries have previously collaborated on major infrastructure projects, including the standard gauge railway and regional oil pipeline plans.
Thursday’s meeting appeared aimed at reaffirming that cooperation and tempering any misunderstandings arising from Museveni’s interview, with both sides expressing renewed commitment to maintaining stability and constructive relations across the region.
Also Read: Revealed: The Real Reason Manchester United Won’t Play on a Saturday Again This Year
Mudavadi Meets Museveni Amid Tensions Over Indian Ocean Access Remarks