The African Union (AU) Commission has praised Uganda’s recent presidential elections, lauding the process that returned President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to office with 71.61 percent of the vote in the 15 January poll.
AU Commission chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf said the commission welcomed the conduct of the election and congratulated Museveni on his re‑election.
He also commended former Nigerian president Goodluck Jonathan for leading a joint election observation mission comprising observers from the AU, Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa, and the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development.
Uganda’s election, however, unfolded against a backdrop of political tension and longstanding opposition concerns.
The polls were marred by allegations of intimidation, restrictions on opposition campaigns, internet shutdowns and heavy security deployments.
Opposition parties raised questions about fairness and transparency during this year’s vote although official results were upheld by the electoral authorities.
Youssouf said the AU remains committed to supporting democratic governance across the continent and applauded Ugandans for what he described as their continued efforts to strengthen peace, stability and development.
JN/APA