Ruto Breaks Silence on Kenya-Uganda Tensions Amid Indian Ocean Access Claims
President William Ruto has addressed growing speculation over Kenya’s relationship with Uganda, dismissing reports that the East African nation was preparing to go to war over access to the Indian Ocean.
Speaking on Sunday, November 23, during the groundbreaking ceremony of the Devki Steel Factory in Osukuru, Tororo District, Uganda, President Ruto criticised sections of the media for allegedly exaggerating Uganda’s stance on the matter.
“I know people in the journalist space try to create an impression that Uganda had said something to the effect that they need to access the sea by any means,” he said. “Let me assure the naysayers that Uganda and Kenya are brothers and sisters.”
Earlier this month, reports had circulated claiming that President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda threatened military action against East African nations with Indian Ocean coastlines to secure uninterrupted maritime access. The reports also suggested Uganda had ambitions to develop a navy, which would require access to a coastline.
However, President Ruto clarified that the two countries maintain a healthy relationship and that any disputes over the Indian Ocean were unfounded. He highlighted ongoing collaboration on key infrastructure projects, including pipelines, roads, and railways, aimed at ensuring Uganda has access to the Kenyan coastline.
“Uganda is assured of access to the sea through Kenya, and that is why we are not only extending the pipeline, we are also extending the road and the railway,” President Ruto said. “Kenya and Uganda are brothers and sisters, and we do not have time for negative engagement.”
In a related clarification, President Museveni explained that his earlier remarks were part of a broader push for a political federation within the East African Community (EAC). The proposed federation seeks to integrate political, economic, and military decision-making across member states, going beyond the current customs union framework.
During the same event, President Ruto confirmed that Kenya and Uganda will jointly own shares in the Kenya Pipeline Company once the ongoing privatisation process is completed, signalling strengthened economic cooperation between the two nations.
As tensions over access to maritime routes and infrastructure continue to attract media attention, both leaders appear committed to maintaining regional unity and fostering closer bilateral ties.
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Ruto Breaks Silence on Kenya-Uganda Tensions Amid Indian Ocean Access Claims