Museveni Congratulates Tanzania’s Samia Suluhu on Re-election

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has congratulated Her Excellency Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania, on her re-election, expressing optimism that the two East African nations will continue to deepen cooperation in trade, infrastructure, and regional integration.

“I congratulate Her Excellency Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania and the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) Party on her re-election as President of Tanzania. This victory reflects the confidence that the people of Tanzania have in her leadership and vision,” President Museveni said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

“Uganda and Tanzania share historic bonds of friendship and cooperation. I look forward to working with President Samia to further strengthen our partnership in trade, infrastructure, and regional integration for the peace and prosperity of our peoples,” he added.

Museveni’s message of goodwill comes as President Samia was sworn in for a second term on Monday in a tightly controlled ceremony held at the military parade grounds in Dodoma. The event, which was closed to the public due to security concerns, was broadcast live on the state-run Tanzania Broadcasting Corporation (TBC).

President Samia was declared the winner on Saturday after securing 98% of the vote.

The main opposition party, Chadema, and several international observers have criticised the election for “lack of transparency and widespread violence”. Key opposition candidates were reportedly barred or imprisoned, leaving little room for genuine competition.

In her victory speech, President Samia insisted that the election was “free and democratic,” describing those who protested as “unpatriotic.”

Samia Suluhu Hassan became Tanzania’s first female president in 2021, following the death of former President John Pombe Magufuli. Her leadership was initially marked by cautious political reforms and re-engagement with international partners.