President Paul Kagame on Monday congratulated Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on his reelection, signaling a commitment to deepen cooperation between the two neighboring countries.
Kagame delivered the message in the early hours of Monday in a post on the social media platform X, wishing Museveni and the people of Uganda success as he begins a new term in office.
“I wish you and the people of Uganda continued success as you serve your country and advance the development and well-being of your citizens,” Kagame said, adding that Rwanda stands ready to continue fostering strong and productive bilateral relations.
Uganda’s Electoral Commission announced on Jan. 16 that Museveni won the Jan. 15 presidential election with 71.6% of the vote, securing a seventh term that will run until 2031. He defeated seven other candidates, including opposition figure Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, who garnered 24.72%.
Rwanda and Uganda maintain close ties in trade, politics and security cooperation. In the third quarter of 2025, Rwanda exported goods worth $16.4 million to Uganda, underscoring the importance of cross-border commerce between the two East African nations.
Beyond trade, the relationship between Rwanda and Uganda is rooted in shared history, culture and regional interests. While bilateral ties were strained between 2017 and 2019 amid political tensions, relations have since improved, with renewed diplomatic engagement and cooperation.
Kagame’s congratulatory message underscored a shared interest in sustaining improved relations and advancing mutual priorities for stability and development in the region.
