UDA Leaders Begin 6-Day Uganda Visit to Meet Museveni

A delegation from Kenya's ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) began a six-day official visit to Uganda on February 4, 2024.

This is aimed at fostering stronger political relations with the National Resistance Movement (NRM), Uganda's ruling party. This visit represents an ongoing effort by both parties to share political strategies and enhance their governance approaches. Upon arrival at Entebbe Airport, the UDA leaders were received by Major Awich Pollar, the NRM’s Director of External Affairs, who expressed optimism about the potential benefits of this exchange.

“Both UDA and NRM, as ruling parties, have a rich array of experiences and best practices to learn from each other,” Pollar remarks.

The UDA delegation is scheduled to meet with President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, who is expected to present the NRM's historical milestones and ideological tenets. Pollar highlights the spirit of cooperation within the East African Community, urging both parties to find common ground and leverage each other's strengths in governance. The leadership of the NRM notes a shared vision with UDA focused on improving the lives of citizens and advocating for the political federation of East Africa.

This mutual understanding emphasizes the growing camaraderie between the two parties. This visit follows a previous engagement in October 2024, where UDA representatives commended NRM's resilience and organizational structure. Joash Maangi, who participated in that earlier discussion, voices the need for structured political collaborations in the context of Kenya’s volatile political climate. UDA's Secretary General, Hassan Omar Hassan, praises NRM's leadership, calling it an exemplary model in African politics.

However, UDA's engagements with NRM have sparked controversy back home. Recent internal discussions regarding a proposal to extend President William Ruto's term from five to seven years have faced mixed reactions from Kenyans and political figures alike. Despite domestic political tensions, UDA's international diplomacy remains a priority. Their recent interactions with the Communist Party of China underscore a strategic approach to cultivating global political relationships.