Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni has blamed Kenya’s frequently changing presidency for ongoing difficulties in securing access to the Indian Ocean, expressing frustration over repeated negotiations with successive Kenyan leaders.
Speaking publicly, Museveni explained that he has been pursuing an agreement for decades, only to have each new Kenyan president reset discussions, forcing Uganda to start negotiations from scratch.
“I have been negotiating access to the Indian Ocean for 30 years, and every time I finish with one Kenyan president, a new one comes, and we start again from zero. Why can’t the agreement be made permanent if they know they will keep changing presidents? I am tired of negotiating,” said Museveni.
The remarks highlight the longstanding challenges in regional diplomacy between Kenya and Uganda, particularly regarding trade and maritime access. Analysts say Museveni’s comments underline the complexities of bilateral agreements in East Africa, where leadership transitions often stall ongoing projects and agreements.
Kenyan officials have not yet responded directly to Museveni’s remarks. Observers note that both nations have historically cooperated on economic and security matters, but disputes over access to the Indian Ocean and port facilities have occasionally strained relations.
As regional stakeholders watch closely, Museveni’s statement may signal a renewed push for more permanent arrangements or a diplomatic rethink to ensure continuity despite leadership changes.
