President Ruto hails Uganda-Kenya relations in meeting with Museveni
By Joel Sang, May 16, 2024
President William Ruto has hailed the relations between Kenya and Uganda during a meeting with President Yoweri Museveni at State House on Thursday, May 16, 2024.
Museveni is in Kenya for a three-day state visit and was hosted at State House Nairobi by Ruto, who said the two countries are not only neighbours but have mutual interests.
“Uganda is Kenya’s historical ally, a good neighbour and the largest trading partner. The people of our two countries are one people, and our interests are mutual.
“We work very closely at the bilateral and multilateral levels, in the East African Community and the African Union,” Ruto said in a statement on X.
The two countries have also agreed to work together on an oil pipeline project from Eldoret to Uganda. The deal will see Uganda import its oil through Kenya in order to facilitate trade relations between the two nations.
“The agreement on the importation and transit of refined petroleum products through Kenya to Uganda, whose signing we’ve just witnessed, enables Uganda National Oil Company Limited to import refined petroleum products directly from producers in different jurisdictions, thus bringing to an end the challenges faced by Uganda.
“Kenya and Uganda are firmly united by relations deeply rooted in shared history and culture and aspirations for regional peace and prosperity,” President Ruto said, as quoted by a local publication.
Murkomen’s take on relations
Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, who was also part of the State House delegation to host Museveni, hailed Kenya-Uganda relations.
“Kenya and Uganda enjoy deep diplomatic and economic ties that benefit the people of the two countries in socio-economic development, including shared infrastructure.
“Had the honour of accompanying Yoweri Museveni, the President of Uganda, on his visit to the Uhuru Gardens National Monument and Museum in Nairobi, where he laid a wreath in honour of fallen heroes,” Murkomen posted on X.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki was also at State House, among other top leaders in both the governments of Kenya and Uganda.