TORORO, Uganda — President William Ruto has moved swiftly to quell diplomatic jitters, dismissing recent reports suggesting that Uganda might take drastic or aggressive measures to secure access to the Indian Ocean.
Terming such claims as exaggerated and counterproductive, the Kenyan Head of State emphasized that the relationship between Nairobi and Kampala remains rooted in brotherhood and economic cooperation.
Speaking on Sunday during the groundbreaking ceremony of the Devki Steel Factory in Osukuru, Tororo District, Ruto criticized sections of the media for amplifying narratives of conflict.
“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 stated.
Infrastructure and connectivity
President Ruto reassured his host that Uganda’s logistical corridor through Kenya remains secure. He pointed to ongoing collaborative infrastructure projects, including energy and transport networks, as evidence that the two nations are moving toward greater integration rather than isolation.
“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.
Focus on prosperity, not conflict
The President urged media outlets and commentators to refrain from framing bilateral relations negatively.
He stressed that the leadership in both countries is currently focused on tangible progress, specifically job creation and attracting investment, rather than diplomatic spats.
“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 further reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to regional partnerships, signaling unity with the broader East African Community.
“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 concluded.
Context: Museveni’s warning
Ruto’s reassurances come in the wake of recent remarks by Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni, which sparked the initial speculation.
Speaking at Mbale State Lodge, Museveni warned that landlocked East African nations could face future security and economic risks if their access to the Indian Ocean is obstructed.
Also Read: Museveni clarifies Indian Ocean war talk, denies plans to attack Kenya over landlocked status
Museveni described the current political geography as “irrational” and used the issue to advocate for faster political and economic federation.
“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.
Museveni noted that solving this logistical vulnerability through regional integration remains a key pillar of his 2026 presidential manifesto.
