Kenya's President William Ruto has lauded Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, following his re-election in the neighbouring East African country’s general elections.
In a formal statement on Sunday, January 18, Ruto congratulated Museveni for securing a seventh term after defeating National Unity Platform (NUP) leader Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine.
The President, on behalf of Kenyans, the government and himself, said, "Following the formal pronouncement of your re-election as President of the Republic of Uganda last evening, January 17, 2026, I convey, on behalf of the government and people of Kenya and my own behalf, my warm congratulations and best wishes to your excellency and the great people of Ugangda".
According to Ruto, Museveni's decisive victory reflects the trust that the people of Uganda have in his personal leadership.
"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 excellence's resolve to accelerate the transformation of your country," he added.
The president further commended the Ugandan people for staging what he termed a peaceful election, arguing that it shows democratic maturity in the neighbouring country.
For Kenya, Uganda’s election is less about democratic theatre than economic survival. The two countries are tightly entangled. Uganda is Kenya’s largest export market, taking in manufactured goods, fuel, pharmaceuticals, foodstuffs, and services, among others.
Any political tremor west of the border travels swiftly along the Northern Corridor, East Africa’s most important trade artery.
Every day, thousands of trucks shuttle between Mombasa, Nairobi, Eldoret, Malaba, and Kampala. When that flow is disrupted, costs rise almost instantly. Past episodes of instability in Uganda have translated into slower customs clearance, higher insurance premiums, and jittery traders.
Put bluntly: when Uganda sneezes, Kenya’s balance of trade catches a cold. Some Ugandan commentators prefer the inverse metaphor, arguing that Kenya’s economic heft gives it the greater leverage.
That may be true in theory. In practice, Uganda remains Kenya’s gateway to the Great Lakes, linking Kenyan firms to South Sudan, eastern Congo, and parts of Rwanda and Burundi. A contested election or prolonged uncertainty risks clogging that corridor, undermining Nairobi’s ambition to position itself as the region’s logistics and manufacturing hub. For Nairobi, a calm Uganda is not a luxury; it is a strategic buffer.
Meawhile, Ruto joins several African leaders and regional bodies that have extended their congratulations to President Yoweri Museveni following his re-election as President of Uganda in the January 15, 2026, general elections.
The leaders, including Somalia President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, lauded Museveni’s continued leadership, highlighting Uganda’s role in fostering regional peace, security and development.
In a statement on X, President Hassan Sheikh reaffirmed his country’s commitment to strengthening ties with Uganda.
He emphasised the longstanding and brotherly relations between Somalia and Uganda, noting the importance of continued cooperation in promoting peace, stability and development across the region.
“I extend warm congratulations to H.E Kaguta Yoweri Museveni on his re-election as President of the Republic of Uganda. Under his leadership, Uganda made notable progress in development & regional stability. I reaffirm Somalia’s commitment to strengthening our brotherly ties with Uganda,” he said.
Somalia and Uganda maintain close ties in security cooperation, regional integration and multilateral engagement, with both countries playing key roles in advancing stability in the Horn of Africa.
South Sudan President Salva Kiir Mayardit also congratulated Museveni, describing his re-election as a “landslide victory” and highlighting the trust the Ugandan people have placed in him for a seventh term in office.
“I would like to warmly congratulate you on your landslide re-election victory,” President Kiir said in a message posted on Facebook.
“I look forward to working closely with you to advance bilateral cooperation and strengthen collaboration on regional and global issues of mutual interest.”
Uganda held its general elections in January, with Museveni, in power since 1986, declared the winner by the country’s electoral authorities. The elections drew regional and international attention due to Uganda’s strategic role in East Africa and involvement in peace and security efforts, including in South Sudan.
Uganda and South Sudan share close historical, economic and security ties, with Kampala playing a key role in mediation efforts and trade within the region.
The African Union also congratulated Museveni, with the AU Commission Chairperson, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, commending the conduct of the elections.
He lauded Museveni’s victory with 71.61 per cent of the votes cast and expressed appreciation to former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan for leading the AU/COMESA/IGAD Election Observation Mission in Uganda.
“The African Union Commission remains committed to supporting the promotion of democracy and effective governance across the continent and applauds the people of Uganda for their commitment to consolidating democratic gains, peace, security, and development,” read the statement.
Similarly, the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Executive Secretary, Workneh Gebeyehu, congratulated Museveni and praised Ugandans for their civic engagement.
In a statement from Djibouti, he reaffirmed IGAD’s support for democratic governance, peace, stability and inclusive development.
He also acknowledged the role of the Joint AU/COMESA/IGAD Election Observation Mission, led by Goodluck Jonathan, in observing the electoral process.
“IGAD remains committed to working with the Government and people of Uganda in advancing regional cooperation, peace, and shared prosperity,” reads the statement.
