The European Union has issued a stern warning to the Ugandan government over the continued harassment and intimidation of opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, following the country’s disputed presidential election.
In a statement released on Friday, January 23, the EU expressed deep concern about Uganda’s political climate during and after the January 15, 2026, polls, describing the environment as hostile, uneven and marked by serious human rights violations.
According to the bloc, opposition politicians and their supporters bore the brunt of intimidation, arbitrary arrests and threats, raising alarm over the state of democracy under President Yoweri Museveni’s administration.
EU Backs Findings of African Election Observers
The European Union said its position was informed by reports from the African Union (AU), COMESA and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Election Observation Mission.
In its preliminary report released on January 17, 2026, the observer mission cited an uneven playing field ahead of the elections, highlighting widespread intimidation, limited political freedoms and arbitrary detentions of opposition figures.
“The European Union shares the concerns highlighted in the AU-COMESA-IGAD Election Observation Mission’s preliminary statement, particularly regarding the lack of a level playing field in the run-up to the elections and cases of arbitrary detentions,” the EU said.
The bloc noted that such practices undermine the credibility of electoral processes and weaken public confidence in democratic institutions.
Bobi Wine Targeted Before and After Polls
A key focus of the EU’s statement was the treatment of Bobi Wine, who emerged as President Museveni’s main challenger in the election.
The EU condemned both pre- and post-election chaos, citing threats, intimidation and pressure directed at Kyagulanyi and members of his National Unity Platform (NUP).
“We regret the pre- and post-electoral chaos and threats, particularly against opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, and call on all parties to exercise restraint,” the statement added.
Bobi Wine has repeatedly accused security agencies of harassing his supporters, blocking campaign activities and placing him under de facto house arrest during critical moments of the electoral period.
Internet Shutdown Raises Fresh Concerns
Beyond political intimidation, the EU also criticized the Ugandan government’s decision to impose a five-day nationwide internet shutdown during the election period.
The shutdown, which affected social media platforms and internet services, was described by the EU as a serious setback to transparency, freedom of expression and democratic participation.
Election observers and civil society groups argued that the blackout limited access to information, restricted independent reporting and hindered citizens’ ability to monitor the electoral process.
The EU warned that such measures fuel mistrust, reduce accountability and risk normalizing authoritarian controls during elections.
Museveni Secures Seventh Term
Despite the controversy, President Yoweri Museveni was declared the winner of the presidential election, securing his seventh term in office after nearly four decades in power.
According to official results released by Uganda’s Electoral Commission, Museveni garnered 71.65 per cent of the vote, translating to approximately 7.95 million votes.
Bobi Wine finished second with 24.72 per cent, equivalent to about 2.7 million votes.
The results were immediately disputed by opposition leaders, who alleged widespread vote rigging, intimidation of voters and manipulation of tallying processes.
Opposition Rejects Results as ‘Fake’
Following the announcement of the results, Bobi Wine and other opposition figures rejected the outcome, branding the election a “sham” and accusing the state of orchestrating electoral fraud.
Opposition leaders cited military deployment at polling stations, arrests of campaign officials and restrictions on election observers as evidence of malpractice.
The disputed outcome sparked tension across parts of the country, prompting calls from regional and international actors for calm and restraint.
EU Warns of Democratic Backsliding
In its statement, the European Union warned that continued intimidation of political opponents risks eroding Uganda’s democratic foundations and damaging its international standing.
The bloc emphasized that democracy thrives on pluralism, respect for human rights and the rule of law, all of which must be upheld regardless of electoral outcomes.
Analysts say the EU’s remarks add to growing international scrutiny of Museveni’s leadership, especially as Uganda prepares for future political transitions.
EU Reaffirms Partnership With Uganda
Despite its sharp criticism, the European Union reaffirmed its long-standing partnership with Uganda and expressed willingness to continue engagement with Museveni’s administration.
“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 read.
The EU stressed that dialogue, reforms and accountability remain key pillars of its engagement with Uganda, particularly in areas of governance, development and human rights.
What This Means for Uganda
The EU’s warning places renewed pressure on the Ugandan government to address concerns over political freedoms, electoral integrity and the treatment of opposition figures.
As Museveni begins another term in office, observers argue that how his administration responds to international criticism will shape Uganda’s democratic trajectory and relations with global partners.
For Bobi Wine and his supporters, the EU’s intervention offers renewed international visibility to their claims, even as the political battle over Uganda’s future continues.