European Union Condemns Opposition Harassment in Uganda, Calls for Restraint
The European Union has issued a sharp warning to the government of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni over what it describes as continued harassment and intimidation of opposition figures, particularly opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, following the country’s recent presidential election.
In a statement released on Friday, January 23, the EU raised concerns about the political environment before, during, and after the January 15, 2026, polls, which saw President Museveni declared the winner of a seventh term in office. The bloc said the elections were conducted in a climate marked by irregularities, human rights violations, and restrictions targeting opposition politicians and their supporters.
The EU said its concerns were informed by preliminary findings from the African Union (AU), the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Election Observation Mission. These observer groups reported that the electoral process was characterised by an uneven playing field and instances of arbitrary detentions.
“The EU shares the concerns highlighted in the AU-COMESA-IGAD Election Observation Mission’s preliminary statement of 17 January 2026, in particular about the uneven playing field in the run-up to the elections and arbitrary detentions,” the statement read.
The European Union expressed particular alarm over threats and intimidation directed at Bobi Wine, who emerged second in the race and has since rejected the election outcome. “We regret pre- and post-electoral chaos and threats, particularly against opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, and call on all parties to exercise restraint,” the EU added.
Beyond the treatment of opposition leaders, the bloc also criticised the five-day internet shutdown imposed during the election period, arguing that such measures undermine transparency, freedom of expression, and public trust in democratic processes. The EU warned that continued suppression of political dissent risks eroding democratic institutions and weakening the rule of law in Uganda.
Despite the criticism, the European Union stopped short of severing ties with Kampala, instead reiterating its commitment to continued engagement with the Ugandan government and other stakeholders. “The European Union values its long-standing partnership with Uganda and looks forward to continuing to engage with the Ugandan Government, civil society and the private sector, based on shared interests and mutual respect,” the statement said.
President Museveni was declared the winner of the January 15 election with 71.65 per cent of the vote, equivalent to approximately 7.95 million ballots cast in his favour. Bobi Wine finished second after securing 24.72 per cent, translating to about 2.7 million votes. The Electoral Commission described the process as peaceful and credible, a position strongly disputed by opposition leaders.
Bobi Wine and several opposition parties have rejected the results, describing the election as fraudulent and lacking credibility. The opposition has cited alleged ballot manipulation, voter intimidation, and security force involvement in the political process as grounds for contesting the outcome.
The election period was marked by heightened security, sporadic clashes, and arrests of opposition supporters, drawing condemnation from both local and international human rights organisations. Analysts say the EU’s statement reflects growing international scrutiny of Uganda’s electoral practices and governance trajectory, particularly as Museveni extends his decades-long hold on power.
While the Ugandan government has previously dismissed similar criticism as foreign interference, the EU’s call for restraint underscores renewed diplomatic pressure on Kampala to address concerns over political freedoms and human rights as the country enters a new presidential term.
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European Union Condemns Opposition Harassment in Uganda, Calls for Restraint
