The African Union Commission has congratulated Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on his re-election as President of Uganda, describing the country’s recent elections as largely peaceful and well conducted. AU Congratulates Museveni on Re-election, Praises Uganda Polls
In an official statement released on Saturday, the Commission said Museveni secured victory with 71.61 per cent of the votes cast in the presidential election held on January 15, 2026. The AU noted that the polls reflected Uganda’s continued commitment to democratic processes, despite challenges observed during the exercise.
The statement, issued by AUC Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, praised the general conduct of the elections and commended Ugandans for participating in the democratic process. He described voter engagement as an important signal of dedication to peace, stability, and democratic consolidation in the country.
The African Union also expressed appreciation for Goodluck Jonathan, who led the joint election observation mission involving the AU, COMESA, and IGAD. The mission monitored various polling stations across Uganda during the election period.
Earlier on Saturday, the joint AU-COMESA-IGAD observer mission reported that voting at the stations they visited was peaceful, with no evidence of ballot stuffing. Observers said that although they did not cover all polling stations nationwide, the sites they monitored, particularly during vote closing, showed orderly procedures.
Jonathan explained that based on direct observation, the teams did not witness any manipulation of ballot materials at the stations visited. He emphasised that the findings were limited to the areas observed but reflected calm and procedural voting at those locations.
However, the observer mission raised concerns about reports of intimidation, arrests, and abductions allegedly targeting opposition members and civil society actors. According to the mission, such incidents risk undermining public confidence in the electoral process.
Observers also criticised the nationwide internet shutdown imposed during the polls, noting that it disrupted election monitoring and heightened suspicion among voters and stakeholders. They further reported delays in the opening of some polling stations, although they maintained that voting remained largely peaceful where observation took place.
The AU reiterated its commitment to promoting democracy, good governance, and development across the continent, while encouraging Ugandan authorities to address concerns raised by observers to strengthen future electoral processes.
