NAIROBI, Kenya — President William Ruto has congratulated Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni on his victory in the recent presidential election, describing the process as peaceful and commending Ugandans for maintaining calm.
Museveni, one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders, secured a seventh term in the January 15, 2026, election, winning about 71.6 percent of the vote, according to official results.
His main challenger, opposition figure Robert “Bobi Wine” Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, garnered roughly 24.7 percent, rejected the outcome, and alleged electoral irregularities.
“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,” he said.
In his message, President Ruto said the election was peaceful and commended Ugandans for the restraint and stability they showed during the process, even as political tensions ran high.
He also extended congratulations to Museveni on his victory as Uganda looks toward continued relations and cooperation with Kenya.
The African Union also issued a statement congratulating Museveni and praising the conduct of the elections, highlighting Uganda’s contribution to democratic processes on the continent.
However, the election was not without controversy. Opposition leaders, including Bobi Wine, described the results as a “sham” and rejected the outcome, with reports of an internet blackout before and during voting and allegations of intimidation and irregularities.
The shutdown of social media and other communication platforms was justified by authorities on the grounds of preventing misinformation, but critics said it hindered transparency and the free flow of information.
We join President William Ruto in congratulating President Museveni on his re-election and the great people and institutions of Uganda on the successful and peaceful conduct of elections. @ForeignOfficeKE @adoniaayebare @Tybisa @UgandaMFA
African observers noted that while they saw no direct evidence of ballot-stuffing, they condemned reports of intimidation, arrests and abductions that “instilled fear” in parts of the electorate.
Uganda has never experienced a peaceful transfer of power since independence in 1962, and Museveni’s extended rule stretches back to 1986, when he came to power following a protracted guerrilla campaign.
Over the decades, he has amended the constitution to remove age and term limits, enabling him to remain at the helm of the East African nation.
