Babu Owino Roasts Uganda’s Ocean Dreams: “Become Kenya’s County, Problem Solved”

NAIROBI, Kenya  Kenyan MP Babu Owino has turned up the heat in East Africa’s simmering maritime debate.

Delivering a blistering retort to Uganda’s bold claims over the Indian Ocean.

The drama began when Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, in a recent address, invoked Uganda’s “historical right” 

To the Indian Ocean, hinting that Kenya might have to cede territory for Uganda to gain direct access. 

Museveni’s son, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, escalated the rhetoric hours later on X (formerly Twitter).

Claiming that just 5,000 Ugandan soldiers could seize the Kenyan coast in eight hours  a message that immediately drew outrage across social media.

Owino, known for his sharp tongue and viral social media presence, didn’t hold back. During a lively rally, he quipped: 

“If Museveni wants Uganda to stop being landlocked, he should hand over leadership to Kenya and let it become one of our counties. Then Ugandans can access the Indian Ocean freely.” 

The audience erupted in laughter and applause, while clips of his speech racked up thousands of shares in less than a day.

The spat touches on a real regional headache: Uganda relies on Kenya’s Mombasa port for about 90% of its exports, paying heavy fees and sometimes facing delays.

 Previous court rulings, including the 2022 East African Court of Justice decision in Uganda’s favor, haven’t solved the underlying tensions.

Kenyan netizens were quick to meme and rally behind Owino, while Ugandan officials dismissed his remarks as “childish.” 

Meanwhile, Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei urged cooler heads, highlighting the importance of diplomacy over social media wars.

As 2026 elections approach in both countries, the exchange serves as a reminder that in East Africa, jokes about land and sea aren’t just playful.

Banter they’re political lightning rods. For now, Owino’s mic-drop moment is the region’s latest viral sensation.