Togo’s president Faure Gnassingbé strengthens ties with Uganda at Museveni’s inauguration

The sunny skies of Kampala set the stage for a high-stakes diplomatic gathering last Tuesday, May 12, 2026. As the capital city buzzed with official pageantry, a familiar face from West Africa arrived to celebrate a political ally—Faure Gnassingbé, President of the Togolese Council, made his way to Uganda as a guest of honor at Yoweri Museveni‘s re-inauguration. Beyond the ceremonial handshakes, this visit carried deeper significance: a commitment to accelerating peace efforts across the Great Lakes region, where millions of lives hang in the balance.

Kampala’s streets resonated with traditional chants and military parades as the inauguration unfolded, themed “Safeguarding progress and advancing toward upper-middle-income status”. The event drew leaders from across Africa, alongside delegations from Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Yet, beneath the pomp lay a bond forged over years of shared vision between Gnassingbé and Museveni. In extending his congratulations for the new term, the Togolese leader underscored a partnership built on trust—one that Museveni reciprocated, emphasizing the strong economic and political ties between Lomé and Kampala.

Focus on the Great Lakes: the power of dialogue in diplomacy

The smiles on the podium concealed a sobering reality: the security challenges gripping the continent. This visit to Kampala was no mere courtesy—it carried the weight of an urgent humanitarian mission. As the African Union’s mediator for the crisis in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gnassingbé understands that every diplomatic breakthrough saves lives. In Uganda, he seized the opportunity to reaffirm his unwavering dedication to ongoing consultations with regional stakeholders in the Great Lakes.

Uganda’s role in this equation is pivotal. With deep-rooted knowledge of local political dynamics, Museveni praised Gnassingbé’s “constructive diplomacy”—a Togolese approach rooted in quiet dialogue, mutual respect, and a rejection of confrontation. This strategy has proven effective time and again, offering a blueprint for resolving regional tensions without escalation.

The value of consistency in regional leadership

Within the halls of Uganda’s presidency, officials note the strong rapport between the two leaders. Their most recent tête-à-tête took place just months prior, on February 3, 2026, in Entebbe. This frequent, high-level engagement highlights Togo’s growing influence as a key facilitator in African peace efforts. As the festivities in Kampala drew to a close, one truth remained clear: the work was far from over.

For Gnassingbé, the journey back to Lomé was more than a diplomatic victory—it was a reinforcement of the bridge linking West and East Africa. The mission underscored Togo’s commitment to continental stability, proving once again that the nation is a steadfast advocate for peace and shared governance across the continent.