Ruto congratulates Museveni on Uganda election win

Kenyan President William Ruto has congratulated Uganda’s President-elect Yoweri Museveni following the declaration of final results for Uganda’s January 15, 2026, general election based on reporting originally by The Star.

In a message issued after the results were formally announced on January 17, Ruto said Museveni’s victory showed continued public confidence in his leadership and in the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM). He also described the election as peaceful and said it reflected Uganda’s “democratic maturity,” while reaffirming Kenya’s willingness to work with Kampala on shared regional priorities.

Uganda’s Electoral Commission chairperson, Justice Simon Byabakama, declared Museveni the winner with 7,946,772 votes—about 71.6%—extending his rule into a seventh five-year term for 2026–2031. Museveni is 81.

Opposition candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, was announced in second place with roughly 24.7% (about 2.7 million votes). Kyagulanyi rejected the results, alleging fraud and interference in the process and urging supporters to respond peacefully.

The vote drew international and regional attention amid claims of irregularities and a heavy security environment. Media reports also noted an internet shutdown and problems with biometric voter verification in some areas during the election period.

Museveni has led Uganda since 1986. Over the years, constitutional changes removed presidential term limits and later lifted the upper age limit, allowing him to continue contesting elections.

Source: The Star