Kenya reaffirms ties with Uganda as Kindiki urges integration

Kenya has reaffirmed its longstanding friendship and strategic partnership with Uganda, with Deputy President Kithure Kindiki calling for stronger regional cooperation in trade, investment and infrastructure development across East Africa.

Kindiki spoke on Tuesday in Kampala during the inauguration ceremony of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, where he represented President William Ruto.

In his address, Kindiki congratulated Museveni on beginning a new term in office and praised Uganda’s contribution to regional peace, stability and economic growth.

“Today, we gather not merely to witness a constitutional ceremony, but to celebrate the enduring will of the people of Uganda, the resilience of national institutions, and the continued promise of leadership in service of peace, stability, and prosperity,” Kindiki said.

He described Kenya and Uganda as close partners bound by shared history, socio-economic ties and common regional aspirations.

“Kenya values its enduring partnership with Uganda, rooted in shared history, socio-economic interdependence, and people-to-people ties,” he said.

Kindiki commended Museveni for his role in maintaining stability in Uganda over the decades, saying the country’s progress had positively influenced the wider East African region.

“We recognise your leadership role in securing stability and continuity in Uganda over the decades, guiding the country towards peace, institutional resilience and socio-economic growth,” he said.

According to the DP, Uganda’s stability has strengthened investor confidence, enhanced regional cooperation and supported efforts aimed at sustainable development and shared prosperity within the East African Community.

He praised Uganda’s achievements in infrastructure expansion, growth in trade and investment, and improvements in education and healthcare.

“We commend the progress made by the Republic of Uganda in advancing socio-economic transformation, including expansion of infrastructure, upscaling trade and investments, advancement in the education and health sector, as well as in other key sectors,” Kindiki said.

The DP also urged Uganda to continue championing regional economic integration and implementation of key continental initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

He noted that Museveni’s leadership had contributed significantly to the advancement of the East African Community Common Market Protocol, cross-border trade and infrastructure development.

“Your support for key continental initiatives, including the African Continental Free Trade Area, underscores a strong dedication to economic integration and shared prosperity,” Kindiki said.

The Deputy President stressed that Kenya was looking forward to deepening bilateral cooperation with Uganda in areas of trade, infrastructure connectivity, peace and security.

“As the Republic of Uganda embarks on this new chapter, we are confident that your leadership will continue to guide the country towards greater heights of socio-economic development and deeper regional integration,” he said.

Kindiki added that Kenya remained committed to strengthening friendship and good neighbourliness with Uganda for the mutual benefit of citizens in both countries and the wider East African region.

“May the friendship between Kenya and Uganda continue to grow from strength to strength,” he said