The Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has congratulated President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on his re-election as President of Uganda following the conclusion of the country’s presidential election held on January 15, 2026.
In a statement issued on Saturday, January 17, Youssouf praised both the conduct of the elections and the participation of Ugandan citizens, even as the main opposition candidate rejected the official results announced by the Electoral Commission.
Museveni’s Seventh Term Confirmed
According to Uganda’s Electoral Commission, Museveni was re-elected for a seventh term, securing 7.9 million votes, representing 71.6 percent of the total votes cast nationwide.
The Commission declared Museveni the winner after the final tally, confirming his continued leadership of the East African nation.
AUC Commends Electoral Process
Despite the rejection of the results by National Unity Platform (NUP) leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, the AUC chair commended the overall conduct of the electoral process.
“The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, commends the conduct of the elections in Uganda and congratulates H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on his re-election with 71.61% of the votes cast during the presidential elections held on January 15, 2026,” Youssouf said.
Bobi Wine, who came second with approximately 2.7 million votes, dismissed the outcome as “fake results” and maintained that the election did not reflect the will of the people.
Praise for Election Observation Mission
Youssouf also praised former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan for leading the Joint African Union, Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), and Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Election Observation Mission to Uganda.
He lauded Jonathan’s “sterling leadership” in overseeing the observer mission, which monitored the electoral process across the country.
Commitment to Democracy in Africa
The AUC chair reiterated the African Union’s commitment to promoting democracy, good governance, and credible electoral processes across the continent.
He further applauded Ugandan citizens for their participation and commitment to strengthening democratic gains, peace, security, and national development.
“The Chairperson reiterates the commitment of the African Union Commission to continue supporting the promotion of democracy and effective governance on the continent, while applauding the people of Uganda for their commitment to consolidating democratic gains, peace, security, and development,” the statement read.
Election Outcome
Museveni’s victory officially extends his presidency into another term, while the election outcome continues to generate debate both domestically and internationally following opposition objections.
More developments are expected as post-election reactions unfold.
