Uganda’s President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has finally disclosed details of his meeting with Djibouti’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Mahmoud Youssouf who is eyeing the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship position.

Speaking at State House, Nairobi during the launch of Raila Odinga’s AUC bid on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, Museveni confirmed hosting Ali Youssouf in Uganda and engaged in discourse over his candidature.

However, Museveni told the visiting Heads of State and other diplomats that he told Ali Youssouf that he would be throwing his weight on Raila’s candidature.

Museveni informed Djibouti’s candidate that Raila is qualified for the job due to his deep knowledge and conviction for transforming the continent.

“Before I came, there was a young man from Djibouti. He came and told me he was the candidate for Djibouti. Of course, I greeted him well, we took photographs and had a cup of tea.

“I actually told him that I was coming here (Nairobi) to support Raila because he is a candidate who is fit for this job. Because it is a job of vision, conviction and knowledge,” Museveni stated.

Museveni shared photos of their meeting on August 20, 2024, and indicated that they discussed issues regarding leadership. The meeting raised eyebrows with some people arguing online that Museveni had backed Ali Youssouf for the AUC chairmanship position.

I received a message from H.E. Ismail Omar Guelleh, delivered by Hon. Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, Djibouti's Foreign Minister.

I'm encouraged by our shared leadership ideologies. For 60 years, our student movement has taught that prosperity comes from producing and selling goods and… pic.twitter.com/TwFm4srSUF

— Yoweri K Museveni (@KagutaMuseveni) August 20, 2024

However, during the Nairobi launch, Museveni insisted that Raila is his choice for the AUC chairmanship position.

“I’m here to support the candidature of Raila Odinga on behalf of Uganda because he is a convinced Pan-Africanist.”

Support

South Sudan President Salva Kiir, who spoke during the launch, rallied other East African nations to support Raila’s candidature.

“As chairman of the East African Community, I strongly appeal to the region to rally behind Raila Odinga and adopt him as the region’s candidate. We go to Addis Ababa united behind Odinga,” Salva Kiir stated.

Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan also pledged her unwavering support toward Raila’s AUC bid.

“Tanzania assures Kenya of its full support of the candidature of Raila Odinga for the position of AUC Chairperson. Tanzania says “Baba anatosha. Achaguliwe.”