Ruto dismisses claims of Uganda-Kenya rift over Indian Ocean access, urges media to stop negative narratives
Ruto criticised sections of the media, claiming they had exaggerated Uganda’s stance on accessing the ocean.
President William Ruto has dismissed recent reports that Uganda might be preparing to take drastic measures over access to the Indian Ocean, terming such claims exaggerated and unhelpful.
Speaking on Sunday during the groundbreaking ceremony of the Devki Steel Factory in Osukuru, Tororo District, Uganda, Ruto criticised sections of the media, claiming they had exaggerated Uganda’s stance on accessing the ocean.
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“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 all means. Let me assure the naysayers that Uganda and Kenya are brothers and sisters, and we do not have time for negative engagement,” he said.
He reassured that Uganda already has access to the sea through Kenya, noting that the two countries are collaborating on major infrastructure projects to strengthen regional connectivity.
“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, because we believe that this region needs to move as one,” he added.
The President urged media outlets to refrain from framing bilateral relations negatively, emphasising that Kenya and Uganda are focused on progress, job creation and investment.
“For those who want to engage us in negative talk, we want to tell them, please give us a break. We do not have time for negative talk. We have time for progress. We want to work together to create jobs. We want to work together to attract investment. We want to work together to do investments like the one I see here today, the ones we are doing in Kenya and the rest of this region. We want to connect this region so that we can share prosperity because poverty cannot be shared,” Ruto said.
He reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to regional partnerships.
“I reiterate Kenya’s readiness to continue working hand in hand with Uganda, Rwanda and all our East African partners to transform today’s milestone into tomorrow’s prosperity. Thank you very much, Mr President, for inviting me to participate with you in this great event, and I want to assure you of the people of Kenya’s continued friendship, commitment, and working together for the progress of our region,” he said.
Ruto’s remarks follow statements by Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni, who warned that landlocked East African nations could face future conflicts if their access to the Indian Ocean is obstructed.
Speaking at Mbale State Lodge, Museveni described exclusive claims to the sea as “madness” and urged faster political and economic integration for collective security and prosperity.
“That is why I say you people, why don’t you see how to unite? Because Uganda, even if you want to build a navy, how can you build it? We don’t have access to the sea. The political situation in Africa is so irrational. Some countries have no access to the sea for economic purposes, but also for defence purposes. You are stuck. How do I export my products?” Museveni said, noting that regional integration remains a key focus in his 2026 presidential manifesto.
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