President Uhuru Kenyatta has congratulated Yoweri Museveni on being declared the president elect of Uganda, following the February 18 poll that attracted eight candidates.
Uhuru wished Museveni success as he serves Uganda for another term.
Here is President Uhuru’s verbatim message:
“I am very pleased to congratulate His Excellency President Yoweri Museveni on his re-election as President of the Republic of Uganda. The people of Uganda have spoken, and they have spoken very clearly. We respect their choice of President Museveni.
Kenya values its close friendship with Uganda. That friendship is founded on a common history, a common culture, and common interests. In years past, we have worked closely together for the prosperity and freedom of our nations. We look forward to continuing the work that both our nations have already done, together and in concert with the East African Community, the African Union, and IGAD. We look forward, too, to even closer integration.
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I wish President Museveni every success as he serves his nation for another term. He and Uganda can count on my support, and my friendship, as well as that of their brothers and sisters in Kenya.”
Opposition candidate Kizza Besigye however rejected the presidential poll outcome saying that it was not free and fair and called on the international community to intervene.
Besigye was arrested three times during the poll period, a move criticised by the US as "deeply inconsistent with international standards and expectations for any democratic process".
Another candidate Amama Mbabazi said the poll was "fundamentally flawed".
European Union observers said Uganda's presidential election was conducted in an intimidating atmosphere and the East African nation's electoral commission is not independent.
The Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the East African Community (EAC) however, commended the Uganda’s Electoral commission for “conducting a free and fair election”.
Other contesters in the just concluded election include Abed Bwanika , Venansius Baryamureeba, Faith Kyalya, Benon Biraaro and Joseph Mabirizi.
