Uganda’s 2026 opposition presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu aka Bobi Wine has reacted to a resolution by members of the European Parliament (MEPs). MPs in the EU parliament have passed a resolution condemning the conduct of Uganda’s 2026 elections and alleged human rights violations.
In their resolution, the MEPs in the European Parliament noted that the elections in Uganda on 15 January 2026 were marred by abuses, severe restrictions on civic space, widespread intimidation of opposition figures, fraud, violence, and a nationwide internet blackout.
The EU parliament further noted that while official results showed that President Yoweri Museveni was elected for his seventh term, the process “failed to meet fundamental democratic standards.”
The parliament also noted that the military has laid siege to the residence of Bobi Wine, and reportedly assaulted his family and staff; and that his wife, Barbara Kyagulanyi, had to relocate outside Uganda.
The EU legislators went on to note that in the lead-up to the election, civil society organisations were arbitrarily suspended and human rights defenders and government critics were targeted, including Sarah Bireete, who was arrested and that government conducted brutal repression of opposition members, journalists and protesters, with over 400 arbitrary arrests before election day and hundreds more afterwards, with reports of torture and ill-treatment in detention.
They also noted the fatal shooting, on 28 November 2025, of NUP supporter Mesach Okello at a rally as well as reports of NUP regional leaders reportedly disappeared after the elections and that they remain missing.
The MEPs also noted that veteran opposition figure Dr Kizza Besigye was illegally rendered from Kenya, detained for over one year prior to the elections, is severely ill and reportedly denied medical care, and faces trial for treason.
The EU parliament says it “strongly condemns the conduct of the elections and the brutal crackdown on political opposition, civil society, journalists and protesters; condemns the harassment of and threats to Bobi Wine; denounces the killing of Mesach Okello.”
It called on the Ugandan authorities to end all violence, threats, harassment and arbitrary detention of opposition figures, activists and critics, including Bobi Wine and his wife, to immediately and unconditionally release all those arbitrarily detained, including Dr Besigye, to stop resorting to military trials against civilians, to drop all politically motivated charges, including against Sarah Bireete, to urgently disclose the whereabouts of all missing persons, and to ensure justice and accountability, and align judicial practices with constitutional safeguards and international fair trial standards.
The MEPs also urged the Ugandan authorities to end arbitrary suspensions of civil society groups, to refrain from any further internet restrictions, and to undertake comprehensive electoral and institutional reforms, including ensuring the independence of the electoral commission and the judiciary.
The parliament also called on the EU, its Member States and regional bodies to “critically engage with Ugandan authorities regarding violations, closely monitoring relevant trials.”
It also urged the EU and its Member States to review cooperation with and assistance for Uganda to ensure respect for EU principles, implement targeted sanctions, and prioritise support for civil society, human rights defenders, and journalists.
The EU parliament also called for independent and impartial investigations into crimes against humanity committed by Ugandan political and military leaders and of other African countries.
Reacting to the EU parliament’s resolution, Bobi Wine said it was proof that the world was watching.
“Very grateful to the European Parliament for for debating the situation in Uganda and passing a very important resolution condemning the sham election, as well as the subsequent violations of human rights by the Museveni regime,” wrote Bobi Wine who remains in hiding.
“Adding your voices to those of the millions of oppressed people in Uganda reassures us that the world is watching and that eventually, there will be accountability for the crimes committed against the people of Uganda.”
President Museveni has told off the EU Parliament, telling them he does not need lectures from young boys, as reported Here.
When a US senator tried to condemn Museveni’s son over his actions, the UPDF told him to mind his own business, as reported Here.
