Uganda has officially welcomed Kenya’s Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki, who arrived in Kampala on Tuesday to represent President William Ruto at the swearing-in ceremony of President-elect Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
In a statement from State House Uganda, Kampala said Kindiki’s attendance reflects the enduring diplomatic ties between the two East African neighbours and their shared commitment to regional cooperation.
“Uganda warmly welcomes H.E. Prof. Kithure Kindiki, Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya, who is representing H.E. Dr. William Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya, at the Swearing-in Ceremony of H.E. the President-elect Yoweri Kaguta Museveni,” the statement read.
However, President Ruto did not travel to Kampala for the ceremony as he is currently hosting the Africa Forward Summit, a high-level continental forum taking place in Kenya and attended by French President Emmanuel Macron.
The summit has brought together African leaders, development partners, and private sector players to discuss trade, investment, and Africa’s economic transformation agenda.
Despite his absence, Nairobi’s delegation to Kampala signals continued high-level engagement between the two governments at a critical moment of regional diplomacy.
Uganda further emphasized that Kenya and Uganda remain close strategic partners within the East African Community, anchored on trade, infrastructure development, security cooperation, and cross-border movement of people.
“Kenya and Uganda remain close neighbours and strategic partners, bound by the East African Community, strong trade links, shared infrastructure interests, regional security cooperation, and the daily movement of people across our borders,” the statement added.
Kindiki’s presence in Kampala is being viewed as a reaffirmation of Kenya’s commitment to maintaining strong bilateral relations with Uganda, even as President Ruto focuses on continental engagements in Nairobi.
“His presence in Kampala reaffirms the deep friendship between our two countries and our shared commitment to a more connected, stable, and prosperous East Africa,” State House Uganda noted.
Museveni’s swearing-in ceremony has attracted several regional leaders and dignitaries, highlighting Uganda’s continued role in East African political and diplomatic affairs.