NRM, Kenya's UDA lay groundwork for long-term political partnership

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The ruling parties of Uganda and Kenya — the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), respectively — have pledged to deepen collaboration, advance the rule of law, and oppose all forms of extremism.

The commitment was made public at a press briefing in Nairobi on May 10, 2025, following a three-day visit by an NRM delegation led by secretary general Richard Todwong. The team included Maj. (Rtd) Awich Pollar, NRM’s director for external affairs, and Col Okei Rukogota, director of the National Leadership Institute (NALI) in Kyankwanzi.

The delegation was received by UDA leaders led by secretary general, Senator Omar Hassan.

The visit was a reciprocal gesture following which they expressed interest in establishing a similar political training institution in Kenya.

Senator Hassan told the media that both parties had agreed to enhance cooperation in legislative processes, improve governance, and accelerate the implementation of development programmes in both countries.

On matters of social cohesion, the two parties committed to promoting national unity, tolerance, and the protection of civil rights, while firmly rejecting all forms of division and extremism.

“As ruling parties, we agreed to work towards good governance of our nations, strengthening transparency, accountability, and rule of law, as key priorities to restore public trust in institutions that we consider as the solid foundation of our nations,” Hassan said.

The ruling parties of Uganda and Kenya, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) during their meeting. (Courtesy)

“Both parties agreed to pursue a coordinated approach to foreign policy, safeguarding national interests while fostering international partnerships, which we consider as key priorities of our nations,” he added.

Senator Hassan further noted that the UDA and NRM had agreed to work jointly in the interest of peace, stability, and sustainable development for both countries.

“Regular consultations will be held to monitor progress and deepen cooperation,” he said.

Todwong thanked the Kenyan delegation for hosting his team and conveyed greetings from President Yoweri Museveni.

He described the discussions between the two parties as fruitful and of mutual benefit.

“We emphasised cooperation that will promote party-to-party relations, people-to-people, and government-to-government,” he said.

“As you all know, Kenya is the umbilical cord of our economy, and therefore, whatever takes place in Kenya affects Uganda directly. So it is in our interest that the fraternal friendship that we have with the people of Kenya and the leadership of Kenya should be enhanced and promoted to a higher level,” he added.

“We pray and hope that this collaboration continues, and we shall also expect that our comrades in UDA, together with the secretary general, will pay us a visit for more detailed discussions that we shall have with Uganda.”