America has voted: What midterm elections mean for USA, Uganda
"For Uganda, the outcome of the American midterms should be understood within the context of our longstanding bilateral relationship. Uganda and the US have developed cooperation over several decades in trade, investment, health, education, security, humanitarian assistance and regional stability,"... writes Ambassador Robie Kakonge
Ambassador Robie Kakonge. (Fiel)
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OPINION
By Ambassador Robie Kakonge
The American people have once again exercised one of the most consequential responsibilities of citizenship in a democracy: choosing their national representatives. The Tuesday midterm elections have produced a significant shift in the political balance of the US, with the Democratic Party securing control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate, ending Republican control of Congress.
On behalf of the Government and people of the Republic of Uganda, I extend warm congratulations to all candidates elected to serve in the 120th US Congress. We look forward to engaging constructively with the incoming congressional leadership, members of both political parties and the administration of President Donald Trump in advancing the longstanding partnership between Uganda and the US.
These results represent an important moment in American politics, with implications beyond the country's borders. For the US, they will shape the final two years of President Trump's administration. For the international community, they raise questions about America's domestic priorities and global engagement. For Uganda, they provide an opportunity to strengthen our longstanding relationship with the US and advance shared interests.
A new political dynamic in Washington
The Democratic Party's victories in both chambers mean that President Trump will work with an opposition-controlled Congress during the remainder of his presidential term. This introduces a new dynamic between the executive and legislative branches.
The election campaign was shaped by concerns including the cost of living, the economy, immigration, governance and America's international engagements. The results demonstrate the importance of public accountability and citizens' role in determining their country's direction.
A change in congressional control does not automatically reverse presidential policies. The president retains important constitutional powers, particularly in foreign relations and the administration of government. Congress exercises substantial authority over legislation, appropriations, oversight and confirmation of appointments.
The coming period will require greater negotiation between the White House and Congress, particularly on taxation, trade, immigration, healthcare and national security.
Lessons from Obama's mid-term elections
The 2026 results invite comparison with the midterm elections during President Barack Obama's administration.
In 2010, Republicans gained 63 seats in the House of Representatives, taking control of the chamber, while Democrats retained the Senate. In 2014, Republicans strengthened their House majority and captured the Senate, gaining control of both chambers during Obama's final two years in office.
The 2026 midterms also saw Obama take an active role on the campaign trail, campaigning for and endorsing several Democratic candidates across the country. He campaigned alongside Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan.
These developments illustrate how midterm elections can significantly alter the legislative environment in which a sitting president operates. They also demonstrate the continued influence former presidents can have in mobilising political support.
Implications for the world and Africa
The US remains an important global economic, diplomatic and security actor. Changes in Washington therefore attract attention from governments, businesses and international institutions.
For developing countries, three areas deserve particular attention: trade, development co-operation and international security.
Congressional debates on tariffs, market access and trade arrangements will influence the international business environment. Decisions on foreign assistance, global health and development financing also have implications for countries maintaining cooperation programmes with the US.
For Africa, the priority should be to strengthen engagement with Washington around trade, investment, infrastructure, energy, technology and industrialisation.
The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) remains an important framework for US-Africa trade and economic co-operation. (Uganda's readmission to AGOA is pending.)
Africa must increasingly be recognised as a continent of economic opportunity. Its natural resources, youthful population, expanding markets and entrepreneurial potential make it an important partner in global economic development.
The African Continental Free Trade Area offers further opportunities to strengthen regional value chains and improve Africa's competitiveness in international markets.
Uganda-US relations: Continuity and opposition
For Uganda, the outcome of the American midterms should be understood within the context of our longstanding bilateral relationship.
Uganda and the US have developed cooperation over several decades in trade, investment, health, education, security, humanitarian assistance and regional stability. These relationships involve government institutions, businesses, universities and people-to-people connections that extend beyond individual political administrations.
Our responsibility is to engage constructively with the American government, Congress, the private sector and other stakeholders, irrespective of political affiliation.
The change in congressional leadership presents an opportunity to deepen engagement with both Democrats and Republicans. Congress plays an important role in shaping America's international relationships through legislation, budgetary decisions and oversight. We must and will therefore maintain an active dialogue with congressional leaders and relevant committees to communicate our national priorities and identify areas of mutual interest.
There are several areas where this engagement is particularly important.
Trade, investment, science, technology and innovation: Uganda seeks to expand its exports to the US, attract American investment and develop partnerships in agriculture, agro-processing, manufacturing, tourism, energy and mineral value addition. We also see significant opportunities for co-operation in science, technology, research, innovation and digital transformation, including technology transfer and skills development. We should work towards predictable trade arrangements and commercial partnerships that benefit both countries while supporting Uganda's industrialisation and economic transformation.
Peace and security: Uganda continues to contribute to regional peace and security. Co-operation with international partners remains important in addressing terrorism, instability and humanitarian challenges in the Great Lakes region and the Horn of Africa.
Education and skills development: Our educational and professional links provide opportunities for scholarships, research partnerships and skills development. These connections should prepare Uganda's young people for opportunities in the global economy.
These are national development priorities, not partisan interests. They should remain central to Uganda's engagement with successive American administrations and Congresses.
Engaging the new Congress
Uganda's engagement with the US must extend beyond the executive branch to include the House of Representatives, Senate, relevant committees and individual legislators.
We must explain Uganda's economic transformation agenda, investment opportunities and contribution to regional stability. Equally, effective diplomacy requires listening to American policymakers and identifying practical areas of convergence.
Our engagement should also extend to American businesses, universities, research institutions, state governments and the Ugandan diaspora. These relationships offer valuable opportunities for trade, investment, knowledge exchange and people-to-people co-operation.
The objective is to translate diplomatic goodwill into tangible benefits for citizens and businesses in both countries.
Looking ahead
The 2026 American midterm elections have opened a new chapter in American politics. The resulting change in congressional leadership will influence domestic policymaking and the environment for American foreign policy during the remaining two years of President Trump's term.
For Uganda, our response must be guided by pragmatism, mutual respect and a clear understanding of our national interests. We will continue engaging the Trump administration while building constructive relationships with the new congressional leadership and members of both political parties.
Political outcomes may change, but the long-term interests of nations and the importance of international partnerships endure.
Uganda stands ready to deepen its partnership with the US, expand economic opportunities for our people and contribute to peace, stability and prosperity in our region.
Our enduring message is that Uganda-US relations are bigger than any single election cycle. Our task is to transform this longstanding partnership into greater opportunities for our people, businesses and future generations.
The writer is the Ambassador of the Republic of Uganda to Washington, D.C