File image of William Ruto and Yoweri Museveni.
President William Ruto has congratulated Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni following his re-election in the recently concluded General Election.
In a statement on Sunday, January 18, President Ruto hailed Museveni’s victory, saying it reflected the trust Ugandans have in his leadership and the confidence placed in the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party.
“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.
“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. I am certain your re-election reinvigorates Your Excellency’s resolve to accelerate the transformation of your country,” said Ruto.
The Head of State also commended Uganda for conducting a peaceful election, describing it as a sign of the country’s democratic maturity and applauding all stakeholders involved in the electoral process.
Further, Ruto said Kenya and Uganda share deep fraternal bonds and expressed readiness to work closely with Museveni’s administration to advance shared priorities for the socio-economic benefit of citizens in both countries, the wider region, and the continent.
“Dear Brother, our two countries enjoy deep fraternal bonds which will no doubt benefit from your unwavering commitment. I reaffirm the readiness of the Government of the Republic of Kenya to work with Your Excellency to advance our shared priorities for the mutual socio-economic benefit of the citizens of Kenya and Uganda, as well as our region and the continent.
“I wish Your Excellency success and good fortune as you embark on this sacred and high obligation. Please accept, Excellency and Dear Brother, the assurances of my highest esteem,” Ruto concluded.
Museveni was on Saturday declared as the winner of Uganda’s January 15, 2026, presidential election, extending his remarkable hold on power to a seventh term.
Museveni secured 7.9 million votes (71.65 percent), defeating opposition leader Bobi Wine, who received 2.7 million votes (24.72 percent).
Museveni, who is 81 years old, has been in power since January 1986. He first rose to national prominence as the leader of the National Resistance Army (NRA).
