Ruto Backs Museveni’s Re-election, Reaffirms Kenya-Uganda Cooperation

President William Ruto has formally backed Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni following his re-election as the president for the seventh term in the just concluded general election.

In an official statement dated Sunday, January 18, President Ruto termed the outcome of the election as a reflection of the confidence the Ugandans have in Museveni's leadership.

Ruto insisted that the victory demonstrated the trust the people of Uganda have in Museveni and his party, the National Resistance Movement (NRM), and that the reelection would accelerate Uganda's national transformation, pointing to the continuity in leadership as an opportunity to advance long-term development priorities.

"I convey, on behalf of the Government and people of the Republic of Kenya and on my own behalf, warm congratulations and best wishes to Your Excellency and to the great people of Uganda," Ruto stated.

"Dear Brother, our two countries enjoy deep fraternal bonds which will no doubt benefit from your unwavering commitment," he added.

Ruto's message followed Museveni's pronouncement as the president-elect by the Electoral Commission of Uganda on Saturday, January 17.

He reaffirmed Kenya's readiness to continue working closely with Uganda underMuseveni's leadership, a cooperation, he noted would focus on advancing shared priorities for mutual socio-economic benefit,collaboration not only for the two countries but also for the wider East African region and the African continent. Ruto cited regional integration, trade, and stability as key areas of common interest.

President Ruto wished President Museveni success and good fortune as he embarks on another term in office, describing the presidency as a sacred and high obligation entrusted by the people.

The message concluded with assurances of President Ruto's highest esteem, reinforcing the diplomatic goodwill between Nairobi and Kampala following Uganda's latest electoral milestone.

President Ruto's congratulatory message came after theAfrican Union Commission (AUC) chairperson, among other leaders, also congratulated Museveni, in a post that has since caused mixed reactions in the region.

Museveni was declared the winner in the January 15 polls after garnering 71.61 per cent of the total votes cast, translating to 7,994,772 total votes.

His closest competitor,Robert Kyangulani, also known as Bobi Wine, came second with 24.72 per cent of total votes cast, translating to 2,714,238 votes, in polls that attracted six other candidates that shared the remaining votes.

Opposition argues the polls were marred with irregularities, even as election observers record no evidence of ballot stuffing, and the polls were peaceful and orderly, contradicting opposition claims.