Africa-Press – Tanzania. Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has congratulated Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan on her election victory, praising her leadership and expressing optimism for deeper cooperation between the two neighbouring nations.
In a message released on Monday, Museveni said Samia’s victory “reflects the confidence that the people of Tanzania have in her leadership and vision.”
He added that Uganda and Tanzania share “historic bonds of friendship and cooperation” and vowed to work closely with her to strengthen partnerships in trade, infrastructure, and regional integration.
“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,” Musveni said.
President Museveni’s remarks come moments after Samia Suluhu was sworn in for a new five-year term in a colorful ceremony held in Dodoma.
The event, attended by several regional dignitaries and government officials, marked the start of her next phase in office following a hotly contested election that saw her secure an overwhelming majority.
During her swearing-in speech, President Samia pledged to continue promoting peace, unity, and economic stability, saying her administration would focus on building a stronger and more resilient Tanzania.
She urged citizens to maintain calm and work together for national development, emphasizing that the nation’s progress “depends on the collective effort of all Tanzanians.”
Her re-election has drawn messages of congratulations from across the region.
Kenya’s President William Ruto, Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa, and Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema have all extended goodwill messages, lauding her leadership and commitment to regional peace.
The African Union also sent a congratulatory message, acknowledging her win while calling for continued efforts to safeguard democracy and social harmony in the country.
The election, however, has not been without controversy. Opposition figures and some international observers have raised concerns over reports of irregularities, including restricted campaigns and the arrest of opposition supporters in the run-up to the polls. Sporadic protests in major cities following the announcement of results led to clashes that resulted in several deaths and property damage.
In her address, President Samia condemned the violence, saying it did not reflect the values of Tanzanians. She revealed that some of those involved in inciting the unrest were not from Tanzania, promising that security agencies were investigating the incidents to restore peace and order swiftly.
“My fellow citizens, we all wish this country well, and we are deeply saddened and troubled by the consequences of the destruction of peace, the loss of lives, and the damage to both public and private property that have occurred in some parts of our country, especially in cities and towns,” President Samia said in her speech on Monday in Dodoma.
“What happened does not reflect the image and character of Tanzanians—it is not the true spirit of Tanzania. It did not surprise us to learn that some of the young people arrested in connection with those riots came from outside the country.”
Observers from the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) noted that while the polls were largely peaceful, there were concerns about limited political space for the opposition. Still, both blocs urged Tanzanians to respect constitutional processes and resolve grievances through dialogue.
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