Ruto downplays Museveni’s Indian Ocean claim, accuses media of distortion

President William Ruto has accused sections of the media of amplifying “propaganda” surrounding Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni’s recent claim to access the Kenyan coastline—remarks that sparked sharp criticism across Kenya.

Speaking in Tororo, Uganda, during the groundbreaking ceremony for the Devki Mega Steel Plant, President Ruto insisted Museveni’s comments had been taken out of context and “distorted” by journalists.

“Journalists tried to create an impression that Uganda had said something to the effect that they need to access the sea by all means,” Ruto said. “Let me assure the naysayers that Uganda and Kenya are brotherly countries.”

Ruto’s remarks amounted to a strong, public defence of his Ugandan counterpart, even as diplomatic pressure mounted over Museveni’s earlier statement. On November 11, Museveni—while speaking about Uganda’s lack of direct access to the Indian Ocean—warned of possible future conflicts within the East African Community (EAC) to secure a maritime outlet.

“Because where is my ocean? I am entitled to that ocean. In future, we are going to have wars,” Museveni said in comments widely interpreted as being directed at Kenya.

But Ruto moved to dismiss any suggestion of tensions between Nairobi and Kampala, stressing that Uganda’s access to the sea through Kenya remained secure and uncontested.

“We do not have time for negative engagement,” he said. “Uganda is assured of access to the sea through Kenya. For those who want to engage in negative talk, please give us a break. We have time for progress, not negativity.”

While in Uganda, President Ruto also revisited his push for privatization, extending an invitation to Kampala to consider co-investment opportunities—particularly within the Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC), which he described as a “regional facility.”

“The Government of Kenya will be divesting up to 65 percent, and Uganda is prepared to co-invest with us,” he noted.

Ruto concluded his address by urging Kenya and Uganda to prioritize job creation, investment growth, and deeper regional integration—positioning the two nations as partners in economic advancement rather than rivals in geopolitical disputes.