Ruto said the media exaggerated the situation and created unnecessary tension between the two neighboring countries.
Speaking in Tororo District, Uganda, during the groundbreaking ceremony of a new steel factory, Ruto explained that some journalists had misunderstood Museveni’s earlier remarks about access to the Indian Ocean.
Speaking in Tororo District, Uganda, during the groundbreaking ceremony of a new steel factory, Ruto explained that some journalists had misunderstood Museveni’s earlier remarks about access to the Indian Ocean.
According to Ruto, Museveni’s words were taken out of context and turned into alarming headlines that suggested Uganda was threatening Kenya over sea access.
Ruto assured the public that the relationship between Kenya and Uganda remains solid. He described the two nations as long-standing partners with deep social, economic, and cultural ties.
Ruto assured the public that the relationship between Kenya and Uganda remains solid. He described the two nations as long-standing partners with deep social, economic, and cultural ties.
He emphasized that Kenya is committed to regional unity and will continue supporting Uganda’s access to the ocean through established transport routes.
He added that ongoing cross-border projects, including road expansions, pipeline extensions, and railway upgrades, are proof of the commitment both countries have toward regional integration.
He added that ongoing cross-border projects, including road expansions, pipeline extensions, and railway upgrades, are proof of the commitment both countries have toward regional integration.
Ruto said these developments are part of a shared vision for economic growth and stability across East Africa.
The controversy began after Museveni made bold remarks during a radio interview in Mbale City earlier this month.
The controversy began after Museveni made bold remarks during a radio interview in Mbale City earlier this month.
While addressing supporters, he insisted that landlocked countries like Uganda deserve guaranteed access to the sea for trade, security, and long-term development.
Museveni argued that denying such access was “madness” and compared the Indian Ocean to shared property that all East African Community members should enjoy.
Museveni further stressed that without unity and deeper regional cooperation, future conflicts could arise over strategic resources such as ocean routes.
Museveni further stressed that without unity and deeper regional cooperation, future conflicts could arise over strategic resources such as ocean routes.
His comments, however, were widely interpreted by some commentators as a warning aimed at Kenya, which currently provides Uganda with access to the coastline.
Ruto dismissed those interpretations, saying that people were reading too much into Museveni’s statements and creating unnecessary drama.
Ruto dismissed those interpretations, saying that people were reading too much into Museveni’s statements and creating unnecessary drama.
He urged regional leaders, journalists, and political actors to avoid spreading fear or stirring diplomatic tensions.
Instead, he encouraged them to focus on shared goals like job creation, investment, and infrastructure development.
The Kenyan President emphasized that the future of East Africa depends on cooperation—not suspicion—and reassured the public that Kenya and Uganda remain strong partners.
The Kenyan President emphasized that the future of East Africa depends on cooperation—not suspicion—and reassured the public that Kenya and Uganda remain strong partners.
He urged citizens to ignore misleading reports and trust that the two governments are working together for peace and progress in the region.
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