President William Ruto Extends Warm Congratulations to Uganda's Yoweri Museveni.
President William Ruto has formally congratulated his Ugandan counterpart, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, following the latter's decisive re-election for a seventh presidential term in Uganda's recently concluded general election.
In a congratulatory message shared on his official social media accounts on Sunday, January 18, 2026, President Ruto expressed heartfelt best wishes on behalf of the Kenyan government, its people, and himself. The statement came shortly after Uganda's Electoral Commission declared Museveni the winner on Saturday, January 17, with 71.65% of the votes from the January 15 polls.
Ruto highlighted the significance of the result, stating: “Your decisive victory at the just concluded competitive General Election reflects the trust that the people of the Republic of Uganda have in your personal leadership and the confidence enjoyed by the NRM party.”
He further expressed confidence in Museveni's continued drive for progress: “I am certain your re-election reinvigorates Your Excellency’s resolve to accelerate the transformation of your country.”
The Kenyan leader opened his letter by noting the timing of the announcement: “Following the formal pronouncement of your re-election as the President of the Republic of Uganda last evening, 17 January 2026, I convey, on behalf of the Government and people of the Republic of Kenya and on my own behalf, my warm congratulations and best wishes to Your Excellency and to the great people of Uganda.”
Ruto also praised the Ugandan electorate for conducting a largely peaceful process, which he said demonstrated the country's democratic maturity. He reaffirmed Kenya's commitment to deepening bilateral ties, emphasizing that the strong fraternal bonds between the two East African neighbors would continue to yield mutual benefits in socio-economic development and regional cooperation.
The message aligns with similar congratulations extended by other regional and continental figures, including the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, who commended the election conduct and Museveni's victory with a slightly varied vote tally of 71.61%.
Museveni's win extends his leadership that began in 1986, following a campaign marked by opposition complaints, an internet blackout, and reports of intimidation—though the result was widely anticipated given the ruling National Resistance Movement's (NRM) dominance. Challenger Bobi Wine rejected the outcome, labeling it fraudulent amid post-election tensions.
President Ruto's outreach underscores the close diplomatic and economic relations between Kenya and Uganda, two key players in the East African Community (EAC), where joint initiatives in trade, infrastructure, and security remain priorities. The gesture reinforces Nairobi's support for stability in the region as Museveni begins his new term.
