Ruto congratulates Museveni on presidential election victory

NAIROBI, Kenya

President William Ruto has congratulated Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni following his re-election.

President Ruto described the outcome as a reflection of the trust Ugandans have placed in his leadership.

In a message sent after Uganda’s Electoral Commission declared Mr Museveni the winner of the January 15 presidential election, Dr Ruto said Kenya stood ready to continue working closely with Uganda to advance shared regional and economic priorities.

“On behalf of the Government and people of the Republic of Kenya, I convey my warm congratulations to Your Excellency and the people of Uganda,” Dr Ruto said.

He reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to bilateral cooperation.

Beyond Kenya, congratulatory messages have also come from continental and regional institutions.

The African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson Mr Mahmoud Ali Youssouf congratulated Museveni on his re-election and commended Ugandans for participating in the electoral process.

In a statement, the AUC said it noted the conduct of the polls and reiterated the Union’s commitment to supporting democracy, peace and stability across Africa.

The AU chairperson also acknowledged the work of the Joint AU–COMESA–IGAD Election Observation Mission, which monitored the Ugandan polls.

Other African leaders, including Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, have similarly sent messages of congratulations, highlighting Uganda’s role in regional security and cooperation.

The wave of congratulatory messages comes amid rejection of the results by Uganda’s main opposition leader Mr Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, who has alleged widespread irregularities.

Uganda’s Electoral Commission has dismissed the claims, insisting that the election was conducted in line with the law and that results reflected the will of the voters.

As diplomatic messages continue to flow, attention is now turning to how Uganda navigates the post-election period amid political tension and calls for accountability.