Uganda has warmly welcomed Kenya’s Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, who arrived in Kampala to represent President William Ruto at the swearing-in ceremony of President-elect Yoweri Museveni.

Taking it to their X handle on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, the Ugandan State House has stated that Kenya and Uganda continue to enjoy close cooperation anchored in the East African Community (EAC) with strong ties in trade, infrastructure development, regional security, and cross-border movement of people and goods.

“Kenya and Uganda remain close neighbours and strategic partners, bound by the East African Community, strong trade links, shared infrastructure interests, regional security cooperation, and the daily movement of people across our borders. His presence in Kampala reaffirms the deep friendship between our two countries and our shared commitment to a more connected, stable, and prosperous East Africa,” Uganda’s State House statement read.

The reception underscores the strong diplomatic relations between Kenya and Uganda, with Uganda extending a warm welcome to the Kenyan delegation as a reflection of the enduring friendship between the two neighbouring states.

Deputy President Kindiki’s presence at the ceremony highlights Kenya’s commitment to regional diplomacy and its recognition of Uganda as a key strategic partner in East Africa’s integration agenda.

The warm reception accorded to Deputy President Kindiki in Kampala reflects not only diplomatic courtesy but also the deep-rooted partnership that continues to define Kenya–Uganda relations.

Kindiki to represent President Ruto

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki departed Kenya for Entebbe, Uganda, on the morning of Tuesday, May 12, 2026, to represent Kenya and President William Ruto at the swearing-in and inauguration ceremony of President Yoweri Museveni to be held at the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds.

In a statement on his Facebook account on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, Kindiki said that he will be representing Kenya and President William Ruto in the swearing-in and inauguration ceremony of Uganda’s president, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, slated for Tuesday, May 12, 2026.

“Departed Nairobi for Entebbe, Uganda, to represent Kenya and President William Ruto during the swearing-in and inauguration of President Yoweri Museveni, Kololo Ceremonial Grounds,” Kindiki noted in a statement.

Museveni’s reign

This is another historic step in Museveni’s political sojourns, which have spanned decades. The Ugandan leader was re-elected as president after winning the presidential poll held in the country in January 2026.

The president of Uganda, Museveni, first came to power in January 1986, defeating the government after years of political turmoil and violence in the country through the leadership of the National Resistance Army.

He has been in charge of Uganda’s leadership for the past 40 years, witnessing significant political and economic changes and also being criticised by his opponents for his governance, democratic freedoms and constitutional reforms that enabled him to stay in power.