Kenya has sought to cool rising diplomatic temperatures following Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni’s recent threats of war over access to the Indian Ocean, with Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi holding late-night talks with the Ugandan leader.

The meeting has taken on heightened significance amid concerns raised by the recent abductions of two Kenyans, Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo, in Uganda.

While announcing the meeting, the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary said, “Kenya affirms its commitment to the East African Community, ideology of fostering strong regional integration that champions for a politically united, prosperous, and secure East Africa through economic, social, and political cooperation.”

Mudavadi’s office added that the two delegations held broad discussions, noting, “The two leaders also discussed other bilateral and regional issues during the visit.”

The Prime Cabinet Secretary also reassured that regional relations remain stable, saying, “Dr. Mudavadi reaffirmed that President William Ruto and President Museveni will continue building bridges that benefit the citizens of both nations.”

The Kenyan delegation included senior government officials, with the statement noting that, “Dr. Mudavadi was accompanied by Kenya’s High Commissioner to Uganda, Amb. Joash Maangi, among other top national leaders.”

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Museveni Hosts Mudavadi at State Lodge

Museveni confirmed the meeting, writing, “Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary, H.E Musalia Mudavadi, and his team visited me at State Lodge Mayuge, last night. We discussed issues concerning both our countries and the region. I welcome him.”

The meeting comes days after Museveni sparked concern with unprecedented remarks on his country’s lack of a coastline, declaring, “In Uganda, even if you want to build a navy, how can you build it? We don’t have access to the sea.”

The political organisation in Africa is so irrational. Some of the countries have no access to the sea, and you’re stuck.”

He escalated further, telling supporters, “That ocean belongs to me. Because it is my ocean. I am entitled to that ocean. In the future, we are going to have wars.”

These remarks triggered regional anxiety, prompting Nairobi to respond through diplomatic rather than confrontational channels.

Kenya Downplays Threat, Cites International Legal Framework

Before the meeting, Mudavadi had publicly dismissed any suggestion that Kenya was blocking Uganda’s access to the sea.

He reiterated Kenya’s long-held position, stating, “Kenya is a responsible member of the international community, and it is in our interest to facilitate any landlocked country that wishes to use the port of Mombasa.”

He added Kenya had never obstructed regional partners, saying, “Kenya has not denied any landlocked country access. And, in any case, what would be the value of the port if it does not generate revenue?”

Foreign Affairs PS Korir Sing’Oei earlier urged calm, saying, “I believe very much that he has a fairly great understanding of our rights with respect to our natural resources, and his rights with natural resources in Ugandan territory.”

Also Read: Relief as Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo Return Home After Uganda Detention

Concerns Over Recent Abductions of Kenyans

The diplomatic exchanges have unfolded only weeks after Kenyan activists Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo were abducted in Uganda under unclear circumstances, an incident that sparked protests in Nairobi.

Their eventual release on November 8 was announced by PS Sing’Oei, who said, “Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo are free and on Kenyan territory. Late last night, after lengthy engagements, the two were released to our High Commissioner in Uganda.”

The two were handed over to Ambassador Joash Maangi in Busia, a development the PS described as evidence of strong bilateral cooperation.

Ugandan police had earlier denied having custody of the pair, with spokesperson ACP Rusoke Kituuma insisting, “I do not have any information to the effect that they are in police custody.”

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Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi with Representatives from the Foreign Affairs Office During a Meeting with Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni. PHOTO/ Museveni X