By Diana N Kintu
Uganda’s Vice President, H.E. Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo, has formally received a written presidential message from Kenyan President William Ruto, delivered by Special Envoy Hon. John Munyes Kiyong’a during a meeting held at the Office of the Vice President in Kampala.
The engagement marked an important step in strengthening bilateral relations between Uganda and Kenya following the 2022 killings of Ugandan geologists and Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) soldiers along the shared border region.
During the meeting, Vice President Alupo conveyed President Yoweri Museveni’s fraternal greetings and appreciation to President Ruto, noting that Kenya’s decision to send a high-level envoy reflected the country’s commitment to reconciliation and regional cooperation.
“President Ruto’s decision to send a Special Presidential Envoy with a personal message speaks volumes about Kenya’s dedication to resolving this matter as only a true brother and partner can,” Alupo said.
Uganda expressed appreciation for Kenya’s actions in addressing the incident, including neutralising the suspected perpetrators, accepting the Okukaraba blood settlement framework proposed by President Museveni and committing to compensation for the bereaved families.
“These are not words; these are actions, and Uganda takes note of them with gratitude,” Alupo emphasised.
The Vice President reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to the Okukaraba process, describing it as a culturally significant and legally recognised mechanism aimed at promoting justice, reconciliation and healing among affected communities.
“The bereaved families deserve closure, the Turkana herdsmen in Kitalya Prison deserve a dignified resolution, and our border communities deserve peace and prosperity,” she added.
Uganda also welcomed Kenya’s commitment to the bilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and Resource Sharing Agreement, which was initialled in 2024 and later acknowledged during President Museveni’s State Visit to Nairobi in 2025.
According to officials, the agreement is expected to establish a sustainable framework for managing the shared border corridor, improving cross-border cooperation and preventing future conflicts.
Vice President Alupo directed Uganda’s inter-ministerial technical team to immediately commence consultations with their Kenyan counterparts. The discussions are expected to focus on developing a compensation settlement formula, agreeing on procedures for implementing the Okukaraba process, recommending clemency for detained Turkana herdsmen and finalising arrangements for the signing of the MoU.
In her closing remarks, Alupo underscored the longstanding ties and spirit of brotherhood between Uganda and Kenya.
“Uganda and Kenya are not just neighbours; we are brothers. What brothers can do, when they come together in goodwill, is extraordinary. Let us demonstrate that spirit today and in the days ahead,” she said.
The meeting signalled renewed momentum in Uganda–Kenya relations, with both countries expressing commitment to reconciliation, justice, regional stability and long-term cooperation.