This archive report was first published on 7 August 2021.
Published on August 7, 2021
Ugandan truck drivers have not forgotten the harrowing tales of the 2007-08 post-election violence in Kenya. The violence strained relations between Ugandans and Raila Odinga's followers, who blocked essential goods.
Deputy President William Ruto has been courting President Museveni for support in the post-election period in 2022 and beyond. Some commentators say Ruto is seeking investment opportunities in Uganda and political backing from Museveni's National Resistance Movement (NRM) establishment.
However, Ruto's allies have denied claims that they are seeking to learn the political game plan from Museveni's NRM. Political commentators say Ruto needs the NRM political machinery as he prepares for a showdown with Odinga, who is crafting a political juggernaut with the support of President Uhuru Kenyatta.
But Ruto's friendship with Museveni has been marred by allegations of vote rigging against the NRM. The party denies these claims, but the backlash has not helped Ruto's image.
NRM director of communications Emmanuel Dombo told The EastAfrican that NRM kingpins would play no role in Ruto's quest for power. However, he acknowledged that Ruto and Museveni have a tight friendship, which has been cultivated over time.
"Ruto is a very good friend of President Museveni, Uganda and the NRM as a party," Dombo said. "The two have built a reputation and given the role that Museveni has played in Uganda and the East African region, he is someone regional political leaders always consult."
