President Yoweri Museveni has challenged the African political class that as they seek their people's mandate to take leadership roles, they should bear in mind that their main preoccupations is how to bring prosperity to their countries.

Museveni mentioned this on Tuesday at the inauguration of William Ruto as Kenya's fifth president in Nairobi.

The Moi International Sports Stadium, Kasarani was packed for the colourful function, as Uhuru Kenyatta gave way for his former deputy to take the steering wheel.

President Yoweri Museveni and President William Ruto shake hands

The ecstatic crowds cheered as Kenyatta handed over the reins of power to Ruto, with whom he led the country for a decade.

In his brief speech at Kasarani, Museveni told the huge excited audience of how during the Kenya elections, he watched KTN News Kivumbi and they were talking mainly about sharing resources and power.

And that then one young man asked where those resources come from.

“On this inauguration ceremony, I would like to address you on an issue that is the real challenge of African countries and leadership - and this is the issue of prosperity of our people," said Museveni.

"I would appeal to you to answer that question. Where does prosperity come from?"

Museveni continued: “It is my considered opinion, and given my experience of 60 years, I would appeal to Africans that prosperity comes from wealth creation. Wealth is not equivalent to possession or presence of natural resources. You may have natural resources but not get wealth out of them.”

Outgoing President Uhuru Kenyatta hands over instruments of power to President William Ruto

He said wealth means commercial agriculture, manufacturing, services and ICT creating a linkage between wealth and jobs.

President Museveni and Somalia President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud

'He is a good leader'

Museveni congratulated President Ruto upon taking the highest office on the land, and in the same spirit, also hailed departing Kenyatta on a successful tour of duty.

"I have known President Ruto for a while and met him several times in Uganda. I am sure he is a good leader, " he said.

Museveni urged the new Kenyan leadership to work for the realisation of the East African integration, which he said is the only sure way to strengthen the region and guarantee its future.

President Museveni and Rwanda President Paul Kagame

In his concluding remarks, the Ugandan leader said asserted that in order to catch up with USA, East Africa ought to work for the integration of the region.

“The more people buy, the better for business and prosperity."

President Museveni and DRC President Felix Tshisekedi

The inauguration was attended by several heads of state and government from Rwanda, Tanzania, Burundi, South Sudan, DR Congo, Ethiopia, Somalia, Mozambique, Chad, among others.