KAMPALA, Uganda — Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has congratulated Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan on her re-election, describing her victory as a testament to her leadership and pledging to deepen cooperation between the two neighbours.
In a statement issued Monday, Museveni said President Samia’s win “reflects the confidence that the people of Tanzania have in her leadership and vision,” adding that Uganda and Tanzania share “historic bonds of friendship and cooperation.”
“I look forward to working with President Samia to further strengthen our partnership in trade, infrastructure, and regional integration for the peace and prosperity of our peoples,” Museveni said.
I congratulate Her Excellency Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania and the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) Party on her re-election as President of Tanzania. This victory reflects the confidence that the people of Tanzania have in her leadership and vision.
His message came shortly after President Samia was sworn in for a new five-year term in a colourful ceremony in Dodoma, attended by regional dignitaries and government officials.
In her inauguration speech, Samia pledged to promote peace, unity, and economic stability, promising to focus her next term on building “a stronger and more resilient Tanzania.”
She urged citizens to remain calm and work together for national development, emphasizing that progress “depends on the collective effort of all Tanzanians.”
President Samia’s re-election has drawn congratulatory messages from across Africa, including from Kenya’s President William Ruto, Zimbabwe’s Emmerson Mnangagwa, and Zambia’s Hakainde Hichilema, who all praised her leadership and commitment to regional stability.
The African Union also hailed her victory, urging her administration to continue safeguarding democracy and social harmony.
However, the election was not without controversy. Opposition groups and some international observers reported irregularities, including restricted campaigning and arrests of opposition supporters before the vote.
Sporadic protests erupted in several cities following the results, leading to clashes that left several people dead and property destroyed.
In her address, President Samia condemned the violence, saying it did not reflect Tanzania’s values. She claimed that some of those arrested for inciting unrest were not Tanzanian nationals, and pledged a swift investigation.
“What happened does not reflect the image and character of Tanzanians—it is not the true spirit of Tanzania,” she said. “It did not surprise us to learn that some of the young people arrested in connection with those riots came from outside the country.”
Observers from the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) said the polls were largely peaceful but expressed concern over limited political space for the opposition. They urged Tanzanians to resolve any disputes through constitutional and peaceful means.
