President Museveni has extended his congratulations to President-elect Donald Trump on his victory in the U.S. presidential election held on November 8, 2024.
Museveni praised Trump’s success in winning both the popular and Electoral College votes, calling the outcome “a true reflection of the feeling of the majority of citizens in the USA.”
“We, the freedom-loving people of Uganda, look forward to mutually beneficial engagement with your administration,” Museveni added before signing off as “Yours-in-search for peace and mutually beneficial cooperation.”
The congratulatory message comes at a complex time in U.S.-Uganda relations, following recent tensions over sanctions. The United States imposed sanctions earlier this year on several Ugandan officials, citing concerns over alleged human rights abuses and democratic backsliding.
The sanctions strained diplomatic ties, with Ugandan leaders viewing them as unwarranted interference in the country’s sovereignty, while Washington emphasized the need to uphold democratic principles and protect human rights.
Despite these recent challenges, Museveni’s message to Trump underscores his hope for a fresh start. The two leaders have a diplomatic history, with Museveni meeting Trump during a 2019 visit to the United States to discuss issues of trade, security, and regional stability.
That meeting laid the foundation for collaboration, especially on counter-terrorism in East Africa and economic engagement, which Museveni hopes to rekindle under Trump’s renewed leadership.
Museveni’s call for “mutually beneficial engagement” reflects his interest in rebuilding and strengthening the U.S.-Uganda partnership, particularly in security and development areas where Uganda has played a strategic role.
Uganda’s contributions to regional security, including its role in peacekeeping missions and anti-extremism efforts, make collaboration with Washington essential to addressing shared challenges.
As Trump prepares to take office, African policy experts suggest his administration may weigh previous approaches to Uganda, balancing human rights concerns with security cooperation.
