Ruto's Message To Museveni After Winning 7th Term In Uganda
Ruto also praised Uganda for conducting what he described as a peaceful and competitive election
Viral Tea Ke Writer 
President William Ruto has formally congratulated Uganda’s Yoweri Museveni on his re-election, hailing the outcome as a clear vote of confidence in Museveni’s leadership and a sign of Uganda’s democratic maturity.
In a congratulatory message dated January 18, 2026, Ruto acknowledged Museveni’s “decisive victory” in the January 17 presidential election, framing it as proof of public trust in both the Ugandan leader and the ruling NRM party.
Ruto also praised Uganda for conducting what he described as a peaceful and competitive election, crediting citizens and electoral stakeholders for demonstrating democratic growth at a critical moment for the region.
President William Ruto with his Ugandan counterpart, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, during his official visit to State House, Nairobi on July 30, 2025. /PCS
"Your decisive victory at the just concluded competitive 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. I am certain your re-election reinvigorates Your Excellency’s resolve to accelerate the transformation of your country," stated Ruto in part.
"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."
Beyond the pleasantries, the message carried a clear diplomatic intent. Ruto reaffirmed Kenya’s readiness to deepen cooperation with Uganda, stressing shared priorities and joint socio-economic goals that extend beyond the two countries to the wider East African region and the continent.
The Kenyan leader emphasized the “deep fraternal bonds” between Nairobi and Kampala, positioning Museveni’s new term as an opportunity to accelerate bilateral projects and regional integration efforts.
"I wish Your Excellency success and good fortune as you embark on this sacred and high obligation," Ruto concluded.
The message comes amid heightened regional attention on Uganda’s elections, with international observers and foreign missions closely monitoring post-poll developments.
Earlier, the African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson joined other leaders in congratulating Museveni, a move that triggered mixed reactions across the region.
Museveni was declared the winner of the January 15 presidential election after securing 71.61 per cent of the vote, equivalent to 7,994,772 ballots.
His main challenger, Robert Kyagulanyi—popularly known as Bobi Wine—finished second with 24.72 per cent, translating to 2,714,238 votes, in a race that featured six other candidates who split the remainder.
The opposition maintains irregularities undermined the election. However, election observers reported no evidence of ballot stuffing and described the process as peaceful and orderly, a position that directly clashes with opposition claims.
