President William Ruto has formally congratulated Uganda President Yoweri Museveni following his declaration as winner of the 15 January presidential election, securing a seventh term that extends his rule since 1986.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Ruto praised the outcome as a reflection of the trust Ugandans place in Museveni and 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,” Ruto said.
He described the poll as peaceful and commended Ugandans and electoral stakeholders for demonstrating democratic maturity.
“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,” the message continued.
Ruto added that he was certain the re-election would reinvigorate Museveni’s resolve to accelerate transformation in Uganda.
Strong bilateral ties reaffirmed
The Kenyan leader highlighted deep fraternal bonds between the two neighbours and reaffirmed Nairobi’s commitment to regional cooperation.
“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,” he stated.
Museveni, 81, was declared winner by the Electoral Commission on 17 January with 71.65% of the vote, or about 7.9 million ballots. His main challenger, Robert Kyagulanyi, known as Bobi Wine of the National Unity Platform, received 24.72%.
Opposition rejects outcome amid fraud claims
Bobi Wine swiftly rejected the results, calling them “fake” and lacking legitimacy. He accused authorities of ballot stuffing, military interference, detention of opposition leaders and polling agents, and the killing of citizens protesting the process.
The election unfolded under tense conditions, including a nationwide internet blackout imposed days before polling, heavy security deployment, and reports of violence with at least seven deaths during overnight protests.
Museveni first seized power in January 1986 after leading a guerrilla war against previous regimes, promising stability after years of turmoil. His early years focused on economic recovery and ending insurgencies, particularly in the north.
Under the 1995 Constitution, Uganda introduced multiparty democracy with presidential term and age limits. Subsequent amendments removed these restrictions, allowing Museveni to run repeatedly.
Regional attention on East African dynamics
Museveni’s latest victory draws attention across East Africa amid shifting political and economic landscapes, youth demands for change, and ongoing regional cooperation efforts.
Ruto’s prompt endorsement underscores the close diplomatic relations between Kenya and Uganda, even as international observers and rights groups express concerns over the electoral environment, including repression and lack of credibility in the process.
Museveni’s new term runs from 2026 to 2031, prolonging one of Africa’s longest presidencies.
