US issues security alert for Americans after Museveni’s Uganda victory
By Mustafa Juma, January 18, 2026The United States (US) Embassy in Uganda has issued a security alert for American citizens after Yoweri Museveni was declared the winner of the just-concluded Uganda presidential elections.
The US, in a statement shared via social media on Sunday, January 18, 2026, urged its citizens in Uganda to continue exercising enhanced precautions and avoid any demonstrations.
“Security Alert for American Citizens: On Saturday, January 17, 2026, the Government of Uganda announced the results of presidential and parliamentary elections and restored Internet service. U.S. citizens are encouraged to continue to exercise enhanced precautions and avoid any demonstrations,” the statement read.
Actions to take
The Donald Trump-led administration has also urged American citizens to avoid crowds, keep a low profile, beware of their surroundings, and carry a charged cell phone and program emergency numbers into their mobile devices.
They have also been encouraged to carry proper identification, including a U.S. passport with a current Ugandan visa.
“Actions to Take: Monitor local media for updates. Avoid crowds. Avoid demonstrations. Keep a low profile. Be aware of your surroundings. Carry a charged cell phone and program emergency numbers into your mobile devices. Carry proper identification, including a U.S. passport with a current Ugandan visa,” the alert reads.
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.