President Yoweri Museveni Hosts Charlene Ruto at State Lodge Nakasero

President Yoweri Museveni welcomed Charlene Ruto at State Lodge Nakasero on February 26, 2026, to discuss regional ties and leather industry value addition. Emphasizing local processing to create jobs and curb wealth loss, the talks highlight East African cooperation and intra-African trade potential.

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni welcomed Charlene Ruto, daughter of Kenyan President William Ruto, along with her delegation, for a focused discussion at State Lodge in Nakasero today (26/02/2026).

The session centered on bolstering East African collaboration and accelerating value addition within the leather sector—a vital pathway to unlocking Africa’s broader economic potential.

In his warm reception, President Museveni praised Ms. Ruto’s commitment to continental investment, underscoring that true progress hinges on transforming raw resources domestically.

“Africa cannot afford to keep shipping out unprocessed goods only to buy back expensive finished products,” he stated. “This outflow drains our wealth and deprives our youth of meaningful employment opportunities. Local processing is the key to reversing that loss and building sustainable prosperity.”

He reaffirmed his enduring advocacy for deepened regional partnerships and industrial expansion as cornerstones of long-term growth across the continent.

Ms. Ruto, in response, extended congratulations to President Museveni on his recent re-election victory. She shared insights into her family’s established legacy in Kenyan business and manufacturing, expressing strong enthusiasm for enhancing cross-border supply networks.

Her team, she noted, aims to fortify ties with Uganda to advance seamless regional trade and contribute to the larger vision of thriving intra-African commerce.

The meeting builds on her earlier engagements during the visit, including discussions with Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces on additional collaborative prospects.