Ruto makes ‘silent’ trip to Uganda
President William Ruto made a silent trip to Uganda on April 26, 2023.
The visit was confirmed by his host, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni on social media.
Besides Ruto, Museveni also welcomed other Heads of State from Kenya, Somalia, Djibouti, Burundi, and Ethiopia to the Heads of State Summit of the Troop Contributing countries to the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS).
“It is a pleasure to host my brothers, Their Excellencies; Hassan Sheikh Mohamud (Somalia), Ismail Omar Guelleh (Djibouti), Evariste Ndayishimiye (Burundi), William Ruto (Kenya), and Demeke Mekonnen (Ethiopia) at State House Entebbe, for the Heads of State Summit of the Troop Contributing Countries to the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS).” wrote Museveni on his Twitter.
Ruto’s silent trip to Uganda is a departure from the past when he announced his travels on his socials.
Besides, Ruto’s media team led by State House spokesperson Hussein Mohammed will share information to the public on the purpose and duration of the President’s trip beforehand.
Interestingly, the silent trip by President Ruto was a common practice by his predecessor, Uhuru Kenyatta, in the last days of his presidency.
The timing of Ruto’s visit is noteworthy, as it comes even as he faces increasing challenges at home, including a fresh call by the opposition to organize anti-government demonstrations over the high cost of living and electoral reforms.
Ruto’s visit to Uganda is significant, as it highlights the importance of regional cooperation in addressing security challenges in the region.
The ATMIS summit brings together troop-contributing countries to Somalia, which is currently facing a complex security situation. The summit provides an opportunity for regional leaders to discuss strategies for enhancing the capacity of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) to maintain peace and stability in the country.
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