BRUSSELS, Belgium – The European Union has voiced concern over the conduct of Uganda’s 2026 general elections, citing reports of violence, restrictions on political space and an uneven campaign environment, even as President Yoweri Museveni was declared re-elected.
In a statement issued in Brussels, the EU said it had taken note of the results announced by the Uganda Electoral Commission, which confirmed Museveni’s victory, but flagged serious issues raised by international observers.
The bloc pointed to findings in the African Union–COMESA–IGAD Election Observation Mission’s preliminary report released on January 17, which highlighted an uneven playing field during the campaign period, reports of arbitrary arrests of civil society actors, and a nationwide internet shutdown that disrupted access to information.
The EU said it regretted incidents of violence and intimidation reported before and after the vote, particularly threats directed at opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine.
It called on all political actors to exercise restraint and urged Ugandan authorities to guarantee the safety of politicians, activists and citizens, while reaffirming its intention to continue engaging with the government, civil society and the private sector “based on shared interests and mutual respect.”
The EU’s remarks come amid heightened political tension following reports that Bobi Wine has been in hiding since January 17.
His National Unity Platform (NUP) has alleged that security personnel assaulted his wife and other party members while demanding information about his whereabouts.
On Friday, Bobi Wine said armed personnel had attacked his wife during a search for him, claims that have further intensified scrutiny of the post-election environment.
The EU’s assessment contrasts sharply with the African Union’s official position. Earlier this week, AU Commission chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf praised the conduct of the January 15 polls, describing them as peaceful and orderly.
In a statement, Youssouf congratulated Museveni on his re-election with 71.61 per cent of the vote and commended Ugandans for maintaining calm throughout the electoral process.
He also credited the joint AU–COMESA–IGAD observer mission, led by former Nigerian president Goodluck Jonathan, with supporting the exercise.
However, the AU’s endorsement sparked criticism online, with some Ugandans accusing the continental body of overlooking concerns raised by opposition groups and civil society.
Commentators questioned the credibility of the AU’s assessment, arguing that it failed to reflect reports of intimidation, arrests and alleged irregularities, while others warned that such endorsements risk eroding public confidence in regional institutions tasked with promoting democratic governance.
According to the Uganda Electoral Commission, Museveni secured more than 7.9 million votes, while Bobi Wine finished second with 24.72 per cent, translating to over 2.7 million ballots.
Bobi Wine rejected the results, alleging widespread electoral fraud, but said he would not challenge the outcome in court.
