The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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President William Ruto has extended his congratulations to Uganda’s President-elect Yoweri Museveni following the announcement of his re-election on 17 January 2026.
In a formal message, Ruto highlighted that the results reflect the trust Ugandans place in Museveni’s leadership and the confidence enjoyed by his National Resistance Movement (NRM) party.
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He also commended the peaceful conduct of the election, praising Ugandans for strengthening democratic institutions.
“On behalf of the Government and people of Kenya, and on my own behalf, I convey my warm congratulations and best wishes to Your Excellency and the people of Uganda,” Ruto said.
“Your decisive victory reflects the trust in your leadership and the confidence in the NRM. I am confident your re-election will reinvigorate your efforts to advance Uganda’s transformation.”
Ruto reaffirmed the close bilateral ties between Kenya and Uganda and expressed Nairobi’s commitment to continued regional cooperation.
“Our two countries enjoy deep fraternal bonds, which will benefit from your unwavering leadership. Kenya stands ready to work with you to advance shared socio-economic priorities for our citizens, region, and continent,” he said.
Museveni, 81, was declared the winner of Uganda’s January 15, 2026, presidential election, extending his rule to a seventh term from 2026 to 2031. The Electoral Commission reported Museveni received 7.9 million votes (71.6%), while main challenger Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine) garnered 2.7 million votes.
Kyagulanyi rejected the results, citing alleged ballot manipulation, military interference, and detentions of opposition figures, and condemned the reported killings of citizens protesting the election.
Museveni first rose to prominence as leader of the National Resistance Army (NRA), which fought a five-year guerrilla war against Milton Obote’s governments. He assumed power in January 1986, ending years of political violence and focusing initially on economic stabilization and ending insurgencies in northern Uganda.
Although the 1995 Constitution introduced multiparty democracy and set presidential term and age limits, subsequent political changes significantly altered these provisions, allowing Museveni to extend his rule for decades.
