Museveni Holds Talks with Mudavadi Amid Diplomatic Tension Over Indian Ocean Remarks

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni on Thursday hosted Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Musalia Mudavadi, at the Mayuge State Lodge in Eastern Uganda, days after his controversial comments sparked unease in Nairobi

The meeting, also attended by Kenya’s High Commissioner to Uganda Joash Maangi, came in the wake of diplomatic tension triggered by Museveni’s remarks questioning Kenya’s exclusive claim to its Indian Ocean coastline

Kenya’s government downplayed the comments, reaffirming its commitment to international law and peaceful engagement

In photos shared on his official social media accounts, Museveni said the delegation discussed issues of mutual interest to both countries and the broader East African region

Although the president did not disclose specifics, he welcomed Mudavadi’s visit, describing it as constructive

The diplomatic friction began after Museveni claimed in a November 9 interview that coastal proximity should not determine ownership of the Indian Ocean, suggesting that Kenya should not assert exclusive rights over it

He went as far as warning that disputes could arise in the future, even implying a possible military move to seize the coast and the Mombasa Port

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His statements raised concern among Kenyans, prompting the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to reassure the public that the remarks were non-threatening. Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei reiterated Kenya’s respect for international territorial law and its preference for diplomacy

The tension recalls earlier disputes, including the longstanding standoff over Migingo Island in Lake Victoria, where Ugandan forces were previously accused of harassing Kenyan fishermen

Although Museveni eventually acknowledged Migingo as Kenyan territory, disagreements over surrounding waters continued for years before both sides agreed on de-escalation

Mudavadi’s latest engagement with Museveni is seen as part of ongoing efforts to maintain stability and strengthen bilateral relations between Kenya and Uganda two key players in regional security, trade, and integration

Both governments have yet to issue a joint statement on the meeting’s outcomes

Writer : Mweru Mbugua