The proposal has sparked concern among Kampala property owners, who fear that moving government offices could leave commercial buildings without tenants and weaken the city’s economy.

Colby, who is visiting the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, and Cambodia this week, said discussions with Indonesian leaders had created new opportunities for a mutually respectful partnership. He stressed that the United States was not asking countries to choose sides, but instead sought to help them strengthen their ability to protect their own security and territorial integrity.