The rumours, which spread quickly across Kenya and other East African countries, created tension and fear that the two nations might face a diplomatic dispute.
Ruto dismissed the claims on Sunday, November 23, during the groundbreaking ceremony of the Devki Steel Factory in Osukuru, Tororo District, Uganda.
Standing beside his host and long-time ally, President Yoweri Museveni, Ruto said that some media houses had exaggerated Museveni’s remarks and created unnecessary panic among citizens.
According to Ruto, the relationship between Kenya and Uganda is strong, friendly, and built on years of cooperation in trade, transport, and regional security.
He insisted that the rumours suggesting Uganda might consider forceful measures to access the sea were misleading and harmful. Ruto urged Kenyans to remain calm and ignore exaggerations meant to create alarm.
He added that both countries work together on key regional projects, including road networks, energy development, and transport corridors that support the movement of goods from the port of Mombasa to Uganda.
He explained that Uganda’s desire for improved access to the ocean is not a threat but an economic need shared by many landlocked countries.
Ruto’s remarks came days after sections of the media and social networks circulated statements claiming Museveni wanted direct access to the Indian Ocean “by any means necessary.”
The phrase sparked fear that Uganda might be preparing for confrontation with Kenya. However, Ruto clarified that Museveni’s comments had been taken out of context and did not represent hostile intentions.
The President also emphasized that Kenya and Uganda have always solved disagreements through dialogue.
He said the two countries share a long border, strong cultural ties, and deep economic partnerships that cannot be broken by rumours.
He reminded the public that Uganda is Kenya’s largest trading partner in the region, and their cooperation is essential for stability.
During the event, Ruto and Museveni both highlighted the importance of the new Devki Steel Factory to the region.
The factory is expected to create jobs, strengthen the construction sector, and boost industrial growth in East Africa. Ruto said such projects prove that the two countries are committed to development, not conflict.
The President also praised Kenyan and Ugandan entrepreneurs for working together to build industries that improve lives. He said the Devki project shows what East African unity can achieve when leaders choose peace over division.
Ruto further advised the media to report responsibly, especially on issues involving regional peace and security. He said careless reporting can destroy trust and create diplomatic stress between neighbours.
The growing tension on social media had already started influencing public opinion. Some users claimed Kenya should be cautious and protect its coastline, while others accused Uganda of trying to repeat what other countries have done in the past to gain access to the sea.
Ruto said such comments were unnecessary because Kenya and Uganda were not enemies.
His reassurance was welcomed by leaders from both countries who feared the online debate could damage relations.
Many Ugandan officials said the allegations were unrealistic and ignored decades of cooperation between the two nations.
Some Kenyan leaders also supported Ruto’s message, saying the region cannot afford conflicts, especially during a time of economic hardship.
Ruto reminded the audience that the East African Community (EAC) was built on unity and shared goals.
He said member states must work together to remove trade barriers, improve transport routes, and strengthen peace. According to him, no country in the region benefits from hostility or suspicion.
He encouraged Kenyans to understand that Uganda’s interest in better sea access is an economic matter.
He mentioned that many regional countries use Kenya’s ports without any problem, and Uganda has always been a major client of the Mombasa Port. Ruto said his government is committed to ensuring that Uganda continues accessing the ocean peacefully and efficiently.
The President also told the public not to fall for political narratives meant to distract citizens from important development matters. He said those spreading fear were not interested in unity but in creating division for personal gain.
Ruto concluded his speech by assuring both Kenyans and Ugandans that the relationship between the two countries remains firm. He said that the two nations will continue working together in trade, regional security, infrastructure, and diplomacy.
He reminded everyone that Kenya and Uganda have always stood together in difficult times—from drought challenges to regional conflicts—and that partnership will continue.
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