UDA leaders began a six-day visit to Uganda to strengthen ties with the NRM, focusing on governance exchanges. Major Awich Pollar expressed optimism about learning from each other. UDA’s Secretary General praised NRM’s leadership, yet the visit has sparked mixed reactions in Kenya regarding domestic political proposals.
A delegation from Kenya’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) commenced a six-day official visit to Uganda on February 4, 2024. The purpose of this visit is to strengthen political ties with Uganda’s ruling party, the National Resistance Movement (NRM). This initiative aims to facilitate an exchange of political strategies and improve governance practices, with optimism expressed by NRM’s Director of External Affairs, Major Awich Pollar.
Upon their arrival at Entebbe Airport, UDA leaders received a warm welcome from Major Pollar, who highlighted the potential for mutual learning between the two ruling parties. He noted, “Both UDA and NRM, as ruling parties, have a rich array of experiences and best practices to learn from each other.” The delegation’s agenda includes a meeting with President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, who will elaborate on NRM’s historical achievements and ideological foundations.
The leadership of NRM has indicated a shared vision with UDA, focusing on enhancing citizens’ lives and advocating for a political federation within East Africa. This developing camaraderie is reflective of the increasing cooperation between the two parties. Previously, UDA representatives, during discussions in October 2024, praised NRM’s resilience and structure, signaling ongoing support for political collaboration against a backdrop of Kenya’s shifting political landscape.
Joash Maangi, an earlier participant in discussions, emphasized the necessity of structured political cooperation amid Kenya’s volatile environment. UDA’s Secretary General, Hassan Omar Hassan, commended NRM’s leadership as an exemplary model for Africa. Despite these positive overtures, UDA’s connection with NRM has raised questions domestically, particularly regarding discussions about extending President William Ruto’s term from five to seven years—a proposal that has engendered mixed reactions from Kenyans.
In light of these domestic tensions, UDA remains committed to international diplomacy, aiming to foster global political relations. Their recent interactions with the Communist Party of China exemplify this strategic approach towards building cooperative relations beyond Kenyan borders, ensuring a broadening of UDA’s political engagements internationally.
The United Democratic Alliance (UDA), Kenya’s ruling party, is actively engaging with Uganda’s ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) to promote collaboration and share governance strategies. This visit underscores the significance of political relationships in East Africa, particularly amidst domestic political challenges. By fostering exchanges between ruling parties, UDA seeks to enhance its governance methods and political diplomacy on the international stage.
In conclusion, the UDA’s visit to Uganda marks a strategic endeavor to strengthen political relationships and exchange governance practices with the NRM. This initiative reflects UDA’s commitment to regional cooperation, despite facing internal political challenges at home. The positive remarks from both parties signal a hopeful future for enhanced collaboration in East Africa, while the necessity for careful navigation of Kenya’s political landscape remains apparent.
Original Source: www.mwakilishi.com
