Museveni’s Shock Threat: Uganda Warns of War with Kenya Over “Rightful” Access to the Indian Ocean
Headline:
Nairobi, Thursday, November 13, 2025
In a startling escalation that has rattled the East African region, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has openly threatened Kenya with war, claiming Uganda is “entitled” to direct access to the Indian Ocean through Kenyan territory.
Speaking during a national address in Kampala, Museveni warned that unless Kenya provides permanent guarantees for Uganda’s maritime access, “future wars” could erupt.
“The Indian Ocean is mine. If we do not get guarantees, we will face future wars!” Museveni declared, in what analysts have described as the most confrontational statement he has ever issued against Nairobi.
The provocation was swiftly echoed by his son and Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who reinforced the message in a televised interview:
“I agree with my father – Kenya must grant us swift access to the Indian Ocean because it rightfully belongs to us. There will be big problems if they don’t respect our wishes. For years, we have remained silent while being deprived of what is our right.”
The Kenyan government has yet to issue an official response, though the remarks have ignited outrage and ridicule online. Kenyans flooded social media with sarcastic rebuttals, some mocking Museveni’s claim by suggesting he “fetch some water from the ocean and make his own in Uganda.” Others dismissed the remarks as “delusional chest-thumping.”
Uganda, a landlocked nation, depends heavily on Kenya’s Mombasa Port for nearly 90% of its imports and exports — including fuel and critical commodities. The two countries have enjoyed decades of cooperation despite occasional economic and logistical disputes over trade routes, oil pipelines, and transport tariffs.
However, Museveni’s latest outburst marks the first time he has issued a direct military threat toward Kenya, raising concerns about rising regional instability.
The comments also come amid growing ambitions by other landlocked nations in the Horn of Africa — notably Ethiopia — which has openly sought access to the Red Sea through Eritrea or Djibouti, sparking fears of a new wave of territorial and maritime tensions in the region.
“My ocean is the Indian Ocean, and I have the authority to use it for imports and naval training,” Museveni insisted.
Analysts warn that if not contained, Museveni’s rhetoric could strain relations within the East African Community (EAC) and jeopardize decades of economic integration and peacebuilding efforts.
