Uganda’s 2026 general elections have drawn scrutiny from international observers, with the European Union raising concerns over the conduct of the polls and the treatment of opposition figures.
In a statement from Brussels, the EU acknowledged the official results announced by the Uganda Electoral Commission, which declared President Yoweri Museveni the winner.
The bloc highlighted several challenges noted in the preliminary report of the AU–COMESA–IGAD Election Observation Mission released on January 17.
Among them were unequal opportunities during the campaign, arbitrary arrests targeting civil society members, and a nationwide internet shutdown that restricted the flow of information to the public.
“We regret the pre- and post-electoral violence and threats, particularly against opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine), and call on all parties to exercise restraint,” the EU stated. The union urged Ugandan authorities to guarantee the safety of all political participants and affirmed its plan to maintain engagement with the government, civil society, and private sector “based on shared interests and mutual respect.”
Bobi Wine has stayed out of public view since January 17, reporting that armed security personnel attacked his wife while seeking his location. Other members of his National Unity Platform party were reportedly also subjected to assaults during this period.
The European Union’s concerns differ sharply from the assessment offered by the African Union. AU Commission chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf praised the January 15 elections, noting the role of former Nigerian president Goodluck Jonathan and the joint observer mission in facilitating a peaceful process.
“The Chairperson of the African Union Commission commends the conduct of the elections in Uganda and congratulates Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on his re-election with 71.61 per cent of the votes cast,” the AU said. Youssouf added that Ugandans had supported calm and upheld democratic procedures throughout the election period.
However, the AU’s endorsement has been met with criticism online, with some Ugandans arguing that the body ignored opposition complaints. Critics warned that such a stance could weaken confidence in regional institutions charged with promoting democratic governance.
According to the Uganda Electoral Commission, Museveni received over 7.9 million votes, while Bobi Wine garnered 24.72 per cent, totaling more than 2.7 million ballots. Bobi Wine rejected the outcome, alleging election fraud, but indicated he would not pursue a legal challenge.
