The European Union (EU) has officially responded to Uganda’s 2026 general presidential election results, acknowledging President Yoweri Museveni’s re-election while voicing serious concerns over how the vote was conducted.
In a statement released Friday 23rd January 2026 by the EU External Action Service Press Team, the bloc said it had taken note of the results announced by Uganda’s Electoral Commission but echoed worries raised by the AU–COMESA–IGAD Election Observation Mission.
The EU highlighted what it called an “uneven playing field” in the lead-up to the elections, pointing to arbitrary arrests of civil society actors and the widespread internet shutdown that disrupted communication during the voting period.
The statement also condemned reports of pre- and post-election violence and threats, particularly those directed at opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine. The EU urged all political players to exercise restraint and called on Ugandan authorities to guarantee the safety of every political actor.
Despite the concerns, the European Union reaffirmed its long-standing partnership with Uganda, expressing readiness to continue engaging with the government, civil society, and the private sector on the basis of mutual respect and shared interests.
As reactions to the election outcome continue to unfold, all eyes remain on how the Ugandan government will respond to growing international scrutiny.