Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has broken his silence after hosting Charlene Ruto, daughter of Kenyan President William Ruto, in Kampala, with both leaders highlighting youth empowerment and regional cooperation.
In a brief statement, Museveni said he and First Lady Janet Museveni welcomed Charlene Ruto and her team, describing her as their “Muzzukulu.”
He said their discussions focused on areas of cooperation and shared interest between the two countries.
“I am pleased that she is investing on the continent. Africa must continue to focus on value addition in order to create jobs and retain wealth within our region,” Museveni said.
He added that they explored ways of strengthening regional collaboration to expand opportunities for young people across East Africa.
Charlene Ruto, in her own statement, described the meeting as cheerful and engaging.
She said it was an honour to sit at the feet of President Museveni and the First Lady and learn from their experience and leadership over the years.
“Had a cheerful and robust engagement with my Ugandan grandparents, H.E. President Yoweri Museveni and H.E. First Lady Janet Museveni, in Kampala today,” she said.
She noted that she shared details of her work with young people in Kenya, saying the initiative would soon be extended to other African countries. Her programme focuses on empowering youth through mentorship, skills development and economic participation.
The meeting comes at a time when Kenya and Uganda continue to strengthen bilateral ties under the East African Community framework.
Youth employment and value addition remain key issues in the region, with leaders pushing for policies aimed at boosting local industries and creating jobs.
The engagement signals continued collaboration between Nairobi and Kampala, with both sides placing young people at the centre of the region’s economic transformation agenda.