Uganda Plans Naval Force Despite Landlocked Status

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has revealed plans to create a naval force, despite Uganda being a landlocked nation. He stated that Uganda seeks to gain access to the Indian Ocean, asserting that its maritime rights are comparable to those of neighboring coastal countries like Kenya and Tanzania.

Museveni's vision involves enhancing existing naval capabilities focused on major lakes, such as Lake Victoria, to develop a force that can safeguard waterways and protect the country’s economic and security interests. He emphasized that access to the sea is strategically vital for reducing Uganda's reliance on neighboring ports, particularly the Port of Mombasa in Kenya, which is crucial for the import and export of goods.

The announcement has sparked a range of regional reactions, with the Hoima Post describing Kenya's response as "cautious and swift," interpreting Museveni's statements as metaphorical rather than a direct regional demand. Researcher Achieng Odour characterized the remarks as a reflection of the frustrations of a landlocked nation that is "tired of its weak strategic position."

These developments bring to mind historical tensions dating back to the 1970s, when former Ugandan President Idi Amin caused a diplomatic crisis by demanding the annexation of parts of western Kenya.