This archive report was first published on 8 August 2021.
Ugandan truck drivers have not forgotten the trauma of the 2007-08 post-election violence in Kenya, where Raila Odinga's followers blocked essential goods, straining relations between the two countries.
Fast forward to the present, Deputy President William Ruto is seeking to strengthen ties with President Yoweri Museveni, a move that has sparked interest in the region.
According to sources, Dr. Ruto's visit to Uganda is not just a courtesy call, but a strategic move to secure support in the 2022 Kenyan elections. Some commentators believe that aside from seeking investment opportunities in Uganda, Dr. Ruto is also courting President Museveni for support in the post-election period.
However, this move has not gone unnoticed, with some opposition politicians accusing the National Resistance Movement (NRM) of vote rigging, a claim the party denies.
Emmanuel Dombo, NRM director of communications, told The EastAfrican that NRM kingpins would play no role in Dr. Ruto's quest for power, but acknowledged the close friendship between the two leaders.
"Ruto is a very good friend of President Museveni, Uganda and the NRM as a party. That is why he came and campaigned for our presidential candidate one time. This is the brotherhood of the African people," Mr. Dombo said.
