Speaking on Sunday, November 9, the long-serving leader said it is unjust for countries without coastlines to be cut off from vital maritime trade routes and defence advantages.
Museveni described the situation as “madness,” insisting that no nation should claim exclusive ownership of the ocean.
Using a vivid analogy, Museveni compared Africa’s geography to a condominium, where all residents have equal rights to shared spaces.
“How can you say the compound belongs only to those living on the ground floor?” he asked.
“Uganda may be on the top floor, but the ocean belongs to me too. I’m entitled to it.”
Museveni lamented the challenges Uganda faces in developing strategic infrastructure due to its landlocked position.
He pointed out that the lack of sea access hampers trade, limits defence capability, and slows progress on projects such as railways and pipelines that require Kenyan cooperation.
“In Uganda, even if you want to build a navy, how can you do it without the sea?” he questioned.
“The political organisation in Africa is irrational. Some nations control sea routes while others are locked out. That ocean belongs to me. I am entitled to it. In the future, we’re going to have wars.”
His remarks have sparked debate across the region, with observers interpreting them as a warning to coastal nations, particularly Kenya, to adopt more inclusive regional trade and security policies.
