President Yoweri Museveni has strongly dismissed growing online rumours suggesting that Uganda is preparing for a military confrontation with Kenya over access to the Indian Ocean. He clarified that the claims misinterpreted his earlier statements and stressed that Uganda’s priority is regional unity, shared security, and deeper East African cooperation—not hostility.
Speaking to journalists at State Lodge Kityerera in Mayuge District, the President explained that his earlier remarks during an address in Mbale were part of a broader discussion on long-term security planning for landlocked countries. He noted that his words were twisted by social media users who portrayed them as a threat toward Kenya.
Museveni further revealed that Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary, Musalia Mudavadi, travelled to Uganda this week seeking clarification. He assured Kenyan officials that Uganda is committed to maintaining strong relations and expanding economic and political integration within the East African Community.
He emphasized that Uganda and Kenya benefit from each other’s markets and stressed that it would be illogical for a country promoting regional integration to plan aggression against its closest neighbours. According to the President, his reference to the Indian Ocean was about future defence cooperation, noting that EAC countries still operate separate military systems, which makes joint planning difficult.
Museveni argued that major world powers invest heavily in land, air, sea, and space capabilities, and East African states need to build collective strength. He explained that Uganda, being landlocked, cannot develop naval capacity alone, and coastal states may lack resources to do so individually—hence the need for stronger political federation.
For days, social media platforms have circulated alarming claims that Uganda planned to attack Kenya for ocean access, causing unnecessary tension among citizens in both countries. Museveni labelled these claims as baseless.
The President also addressed environmental concerns in the Busoga region, particularly wetland encroachment. He reassured residents that government does not intend to forcibly evict communities but wants wetlands used responsibly. He explained that traditional activities such as papyrus harvesting, weaving, and fishing are sustainable, while practices like rice cultivation drain wetlands and reduce their long-term value. He suggested alternative ventures, including fish farming, which he said can earn far more than rice grown in natural swamps.
On the issue of illegally acquired land titles in the Busoga South Forest Reserve, Museveni promised tough action. He said government has identified cases of fraudulent land acquisition and vowed that the culprits would be held accountable.
The President made these remarks at the end of his week-long tour of the Busoga sub-region, where he discussed development, environmental protection, and governance issues with local leaders and residents.