President Yoweri Museveni has clarified his recent remarks about Uganda's right to the Indian Ocean, stating his comments were focused on regional security cooperation rather than territorial claims. His initial statements, which generated significant online commentary across East Africa, had described colonial borders as irrational and asserted Uganda's entitlement to maritime access for economic and defense reasons.
He explained that his underlying argument was for a stronger East African Community with integrated defense capabilities. Museveni emphasized that a politically unified bloc would be better equipped to protect collective interests, including maritime security. The discussion follows a Kenyan diplomat's visit to Uganda for private talks.
This dialogue occurs against a backdrop of recent trade tensions, including a Ugandan law enabling its national oil company to bypass Kenyan fuel importers. While international law grants landlocked nations sea access for trade, it does not confer territorial sovereignty.
He explained that his underlying argument was for a stronger East African Community with integrated defense capabilities. Museveni emphasized that a politically unified bloc would be better equipped to protect collective interests, including maritime security. The discussion follows a Kenyan diplomat's visit to Uganda for private talks.
This dialogue occurs against a backdrop of recent trade tensions, including a Ugandan law enabling its national oil company to bypass Kenyan fuel importers. While international law grants landlocked nations sea access for trade, it does not confer territorial sovereignty.
