Museveni and Ruto adopt divergent stands as Middle East crisis worsens
Protesters burn a banner depicting US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during an anti‑war rally against US and Israeli strikes on Iran, near the US Embassy in Manila, Philippines, March 6, 2026.
East African leaders are striking different notes on the escalating Middle East crisis, with Uganda’s Yoweri Museveni urging dialogue and balance, while Kenya’s William Ruto condemns Iran’s retaliatory strikes. Their divergent tones highlight the region’s delicate energy and diplomatic interests.
Iran has been retaliating against US/Israel attacks by targeting Gulf neighbours it deems to be providing logistical support to the Americans. For Kenya and Uganda, the tradition has often been to balance interests and never appear to be taking sides.
