Russian President Vladimir Putin has extended his congratulations to Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni on reaching the age of 80, according to a letter posted online by the Russian embassy in Kampala.
“You rightfully enjoy a well-deserved high authority on the African continent. Under Your leadership Uganda has scored a success in socio and economic spheres and strengthened its positions in the international arena,” the letter read.
Putin also underscored that Russia greatly appreciates Museveni's ongoing efforts to strengthen the friendly and cooperative ties between the two nations.
In its congratulatory message, the ruling party National Resistance Movement (NRM) wished the celebrant another 40 years in power, local media reported.
“We have seen significant change in a number of things but most importantly peace. We experienced wars for several years but our savior came and we are having peace,” said Charles Lwanga, Deputy Resident District Commissioner in Nansana town and NRM memeber, who organized the youth in Nansana to support extending Museveni's tenure by 40 more terms.
Under Yoweri Museveni's leadership, Uganda has achieved several notable successes, including significant economic growth, with the GDP averaging an annual growth rate of about 6% from the 1990s to the early 2010s, as per the World Bank. Poverty levels have also declined dramatically, from 56% in 1992 to approximately 21.4% in 2016.
In healthcare, improvements have resulted in increased life expectancy, rising from 43 years in 1990 to around 63 years in 2018, according to the World Health Organization. Additionally, the introduction of Universal Primary Education in 1997 has led to higher school enrollment rates.