Ruto congratulates Museveni after getting re-elected as Ugandan president
By Mustafa Juma, January 18, 2026President William Ruto has congratulated his Ugandan counterpart, Yoweri Museveni, after he was re-elected in the neighbouring country’s just-concluded general elections.
In a congratulatory letter shared via his official social media accounts on Sunday, January 18, 2026, Ruto conveyed his best wishes to Museveni as he kicks off his seventh term as the Ugandan president.
“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 my own behalf, my warm congratulations and best wishes to Your Excellency and to the great people of Uganda,” the letter read in part.
Ruto further noted that Museveni’s victory reflected the trust that the Ugandans have in his personal leadership and the confidence enjoyed by the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party.
“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,” Ruto stated.
Ruto commends Ugandans
Ruto has also commended the people of Uganda for undertaking a peaceful election process, which he says attests to the democratic maturity of Uganda.
He went ahead to reaffirm Kenya’s readiness to work with Museveni to advance the two countries’ shared priorities for the mutual socio-economic benefit.
“For undertaking a peaceful election, I sincerely commend the people of Uganda and all stakeholders in the electoral process, which attests to the democratic maturity of Uganda,” he said.
“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.”
Museveni’s victory
Museveni, 81, won the Uganda elections with 71.65 per cent of the vote, with the country’s electoral commission declaring his victory on Saturday, January 17, 2026.
He defeated his main challenger, 43-year-old Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, who received 24.72 per cent of the vote, according to the official results.
Museveni’s widely expected victory comes after an election campaign that the United Nations said was marred by widespread repression and intimidation, including a crackdown on opposition rallies.
Thursday’s election also unfolded amid a nationwide internet blackout that drew widespread criticism.
Bobi Wine, a singer-turned-politician, had claimed on social media on Election Day that massive ballot stuffing also was taking place.