Uganda can only access sea through Kenya

Kenya's President William Ruto has dismissed the talks of Uganda accessing the sea through Kenya, noting that the East African nation can only do so by working closely with Nairobi through the infrastructure established by the country.

In a function held at Tororo in Uganda, Ruto accused propagandists of implicating Uganda over utterances that were not made, adding that such talks will not frustrate the cooperation between the two countries.

Instead, Ruto said Kenya would extend the pipeline, the Standard Gauge Railway and roads to Uganda to ease transportation from Mombasa. He said the two countries will work closely to create jobs and investments.

"I know that some people in journalism are trying to create an impression that Uganda had said something about the access to the sea by all means. I want to assure you that Uganda accesses the sea through Kenya, and this is why we're not only extending the pipeline and railway but also roads to Uganda," he said.

"We believe that this region needs to move ahead as one. Those who are engaging in negative talks, we want to tell them we have no time for it. We want to work together to create jobs and attract investments."

This comes after the media reported a viral video allegedly of President Yoweri Museveni saying that Uganda will claim its stake in the Indian Ocean. The sentiments were reinforced by Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) Chief Kainerugaba Muhoozi.

Muhoozi, who is the son of President Yoweri Museveni, was quick to endorse Ruto's statements, accusing the media of propagating negative talks between Kenya and Uganda. However, he said Uganda would access the sea through Kenya.

"I know journalists tried to create an impression that Uganda needs to access the sea by all means. Let me assure the naysayers. Uganda can access the sea through Kenya," Kainerugaba Muhoozi said.

GAROWE ONLINE