Kenya President Ruto says Museveni re-election victory reflects trust

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Kenya's president, William Ruto, has congratulated President Yoweri Museveni on being re-elected for another five-year term of office.

Ruto, who says he has conveyed the congratulations on behalf of the Kenyan government, its citizens and on his own behalf, adds that Museveni's victory at the just concluded General Election, 'reflects the trust that the people of the Republic of Uganda have in your personal leadership and the confidence enjoyed by the NRM party'. 

Ruto's congratulatory message, dated January 18, comes almost 24 hours after the Uganda Electoral Commission (EC) announced Museveni as the winner of the General Election with a majority of valid votes cast in his favour.

EC chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama said Museveni, who was the National Resistance Movement party flag-bearer, secured (7,946,772 votes) 71.65% of the valid votes cast in the January 14 election, securing his seventh term of office. Museveni's closest rival, Kyagulanyi Ssentamu of the National Unity Platform, garnered 2,741,238 votes (24.7%). 

"I am certain your re-election reinvigorates Your Excellency's resolve to accelerate the transformation of your country. For undertaking a peaceful election, I sincerely commend the people of Uganda and all stakeholders in the electoral process, which attests to the democratic maturity of Uganda," Ruto says.

According to the Kenyan head of state, Uganda and Kenya enjoy deep fraternal bonds, which will no doubt benefit from Museveni's unwavering commitment. 

"I reaffirm the readiness of the Government of the Republic of Kenya to work with Your Excellency to advance our shared priorities for the mutual socio-economic benefit of the citizens of Kenya and Uganda as well as our region and the continent. I wish Your Excellency success and good fortune as you embark on this sacred and high obligation".

AUC's message

Ruto's congratulatory message also followed that of African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, who commended the conduct of elections in Uganda.

Youssouf's January 17, 2026, message, which was sent through commission spokesperson Nuur Mohamud Sheekh, also commended former Nigerian president Goodluck Jonathan for his sterling leadership of the Joint African Union/; Common Market of Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA)/Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Election Observation Mission to Uganda'.

He reiterated AU's commitment to the continued support of the promotion of democracy and effective governance in the continent, while applauding the people of Uganda for their commitment to consolidating democratic gains, peace, security, and development.