AUC chairperson congratulates Museveni for winning Uganda election
By Mustafa Juma, January 17, 2026African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf has congratulated President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on winning the just-concluded Ugandan presidential election.
In a statement issued via social media on Saturday, January 17, 2026, Youssouf also commended the conduct of the elections in Uganda.
“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 15 January 2026,” AUC stated.
AUC further hailed former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan, for leading the Joint African Union/Common Market of Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA)/Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Election Observation Mission to Uganda.
Supporting African democracy
Youssouf also reiterated the AUC’s commitment to promoting democracy and effective governance in Africa.
“The Chairperson further reiterates the commitment of the African Union Commission to continue to support the promotion of democracy and effective governance in the continent, while applauding the people of Uganda for their commitment to consolidating democratic gains, peace, security, and development,” the statement read.
Museveni’s victory
Museveni, 81, won the Uganda elections with 71.65 per cent of the vote, with the country’s electoral commission declaring his victory on Saturday, January 17, 2026.
He defeated his main challenger, 43-year-old Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, who received 24.72 per cent of the vote, according to the official results.
Museveni’s widely expected victory comes after an election campaign that the United Nations said was marred by widespread repression and intimidation, including a crackdown on opposition rallies.
Thursday’s election also unfolded amid a nationwide internet blackout that drew widespread criticism.
Bobi Wine, a singer-turned-politician, had claimed on social media on Election Day that massive ballot stuffing also was taking place.
Bobi Wine also said earlier on Saturday that he had escaped a police and army raid on his house.
“Currently, I am not at home, although my wife and other family members remain under house arrest. I know that these criminals are looking for me everywhere, and I am trying my best to keep safe,” he said.