The reassurance followed days of public debate triggered by remarks made by Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni, who hinted that Uganda might explore other ways of reaching the ocean if current arrangements failed.
The issue brought renewed attention to the strong historical ties between the two neighbouring countries.
While the disagreement caused worry across the region, the situation was quickly defused once leaders from both sides clarified their positions.
The concern began with questions about how Uganda transports goods—especially petroleum products—from the port of Mombasa to its inland depots.
Uganda, which depends heavily on Kenya’s transport corridor, had expressed dissatisfaction with what it viewed as high costs and delays in the current system.
Reports indicated that the frustrations had mounted over time, prompting Museveni to suggest that Uganda would seek an alternative route to the sea “by all means.”
That statement led some analysts to speculate that Uganda might be reconsidering its long-standing reliance on Kenya.
It even raised fears that the region could witness a shift in economic alliances, particularly within the Great Lakes and East African trade networks.
President Ruto responded swiftly to calm the growing speculation. Addressing the matter directly, he emphasized that Kenya and Uganda share deep bonds grounded in history, trade, and culture. He dismissed claims that the two countries were clashing over sea access.
Ruto reminded the region that Kenya and Uganda are not only neighbours but also close partners who depend on one another.
According to him, the rumours suggesting a diplomatic fallout were exaggerated. He assured Ugandans that their country would always have smooth passage for its imports and exports through Kenya.
His message underlined the importance of the Mombasa Port and the transport routes connecting it to Uganda.
The Northern Corridor, which includes roads and the Standard Gauge Railway, is essential for moving fuel, food, construction materials, and other supplies into Uganda and beyond. The economic partnership between the two countries forms a major part of the wider East African Community’s vision for shared development.
To provide context, observers recalled past disputes between the two countries, including a major incident in 1976 when former Ugandan leader Idi Amin made territorial claims over parts of Kenya.
At the time, Kenya reacted firmly by closing its border to Ugandan-bound goods. The tensions eventually eased, and the matter ended with Amin backing down.
Another major conflict followed in 1978, though this time between Uganda and Tanzania. Amin’s invasion of Tanzania’s Kagera region sparked a war that lasted several months and ended with Tanzanian forces entering Kampala and removing Amin from power.
These historical events serve as reminders of how sensitive territorial and trade issues can be within the region.
Today, however, Kenya and Uganda operate within a very different framework. Both countries are committed to peaceful cooperation and regional integration. President Ruto’s recent remarks reinforced that spirit by making it clear that disagreements—no matter how loud—should be resolved through dialogue.
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