Museveni to Ruto: Thank you for the warm welcome

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and his Kenyan counterpart William Ruto during his official visit to the country on July 30, 2025 / YOWERI MUSEVENI X

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has thanked his Kenyan counterpart, William Ruto, for the warm welcome to the country.

Museveni arrived in Nairobi on Wednesday for a one-day official visit aimed at strengthening ties between Uganda and Kenya.

He was received at the State House by President Ruto, where they held high-level discussions focused on regional security, cross-border cooperation, and deepening economic collaboration between the neighbouring nations.

In a statement on X, Museveni thanked the President for hosting him, saying the bilateral agreements signed will strengthen the partnership.

“I would like to express my gratitude to President Ruto for the warm welcome today. I am pleased with the bilateral agreements that were signed, as they will strengthen the partnership between our countries,” he said.

The two countries signed eight new Memoranda of Understanding to strengthen cooperation, catalyse economic development, deepen people-to-people ties, and ensure the relations deliver tangible benefits.

On his part, Ruto said Kenya and Uganda share a historical partnership anchored in common ideals, deep respect, and a shared ambition for regional stability and progress.

The two leaders discussed the extension of the Standard Gauge Railway from Naivasha to Malaba and into Uganda and the dualling of the Nairobi-Nakuru-Mau Summit road and its eventual extension to Malaba and Uganda.

“We committed to address cross-border challenges, including the Migingo fishing issue,” Ruto said.

The visit highlighted the growing push for closer ties within the East African Community (EAC), where Kenya and Uganda remain influential players.

Museveni's arrival comes a day after he met with Kenya’s High Commissioner to Uganda, Joash Maangi, at State House in Entebbe.

The two discussed ongoing challenges and reaffirmed the strong historical bond between the two countries.

Observers view Museveni’s visit as part of a broader regional strategy to reinforce integration and cooperation within the EAC.

The focus on security and economic development reflects both countries’ shared interest in stability and prosperity in the region.