- Mudavadi visited President Yoweri Museveni for diplomatic talks to calm the growing tension between Kenya and Uganda
- The meeting came a few days after Museveni warned that the two countries could go to war over access to the Indian Ocean
- Some Ugandans took that time to make fun of the Kenyans claiming to win
Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni welcomed the Minister of Foreign Affairs Stay Mudavadi at State Lodge Mayuge Thursday, November 20, evening.
Source: Facebook
The meeting has come a few days after Museveni issued veiled threats to Uganda and Kenya may go to war in the near future over access to the Indian Ocean.
In an interview with journalists last week, the 81-year-old Ugandan leader, who has been in power since 1987, expressed disappointment with his administration’s efforts to reach the sea, accusing Kenya of undermining the talks.
He argued that Uganda has failed to fulfill its full potential due to Kenya’s opposition to allowing it access to large coastal water resources.
For example, Museveni said that Uganda cannot establish a navy in its army because it has no sea.
“How will I transport my goods? That is why we have had endless discussions with Kenya. This one stops, another one comes. Rail and pipeline – we are discussing. But the sea is mine. Because it is my sea. I have the right to that sea. In the future we will have a lost war,” Museveni said.
The statement angered Kenyans, who took to social media to criticize the leader of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and pressured the President’s government William Ruto respond firmly to such threats.
His meeting came as a breath of relief to the growing tension between the two neighboring countries.
Through his official X account, Museveni said their discussions focused on issues of mutual interest.
“The Chief Secretary of the Cabinet of Kenya, HE Musalia Mudavadi, and his team visited me in Lodge State, Mayuge, last night. We discussed issues concerning our countries and the region. I welcome him,” said the Ugandan leader.
What was the opinion of Ugandans about the Museveni-Mudavadi meeting?
However, some Ugandans took the time to mock and throw shade at their Kenyan counterparts, claiming Mudavadi had visited to discuss how to hand over Bahari to Museveni in peace.
Innocent: Mr. President, when are they handing over our Indian Ocean? I hope you told them that the issue is not negotiable
Atuheire Derrick: Finally, we get our Indian Ocean Investigator Kenneth: Hope they agreed to give us our Indian Ocean!??
Nkurunungi: Did he accept our entry into the sea.
Adinani Abdul Hussein : They came to give our sea!
Let us be born Innocent: Our sea is coming. We really want the Indian Ocean
What did Museveni say after the meeting?
The Ugandan leader promised to continue working with Kenya to build a stable East African region.
Museveni also called for the creation of a Federal Army for the East African region which “it will create a very powerful military force and a center of gravity for the Negro community.”
He expressed concern about weak military forces in Africa, which he claimed had paved the way for foreigners to invade countries and overthrow leaders.
“Who will save this continent? Libya was attacked by foreigners, and we just watched. Therefore, to ensure our future, we must find a way to achieve regional political cooperation,” said the veteran politician who is seeking his eighth term in January 2025.
On his part, Mudavadi allayed fears that Kenya and Uganda will go to war, saying Kenya and Uganda will maintain good diplomatic relations for generations to come.
Regarding the Indian Ocean dispute, the Prime Minister assured his host that Nairobi will continue to provide access to the vast body of water for the benefit of all parties.
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Source: TUKO.co.ke
