US Lawmakers Urge Action on Uganda’s Undemocratic Elections

By Staff Reporter

U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen, Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Cory Booker, Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health Policy, have strongly condemned the elections held in Uganda on January 15, 2026.

In a statement sent to Caprivi Vision, the United States warned that Uganda’s January 15 election dealt another blow to the pursuit of democracy in the country, stating: “Unfortunately, these elections mirrored previous electoral contests in Uganda where the playing field was skewed, and the results were decided well before the actual vote.”

The statement condemned widespread violations of media freedom and human rights, including the arrests of political leaders who contested against the ruling party of long-serving Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.

It added: “We have seen attacks on journalists, the jailing of opposition figures, the tear-gassing of citizens peacefully assembling, reported abductions of opposition members and candidates, and reports of violence by security forces in the weeks and months leading up to these elections. The last-minute internet blackout throughout the country
further undermined Ugandan citizens’ rights to freedom of expression, enshrined in the country’s constitution. We are particularly concerned by Ugandan Minister of Defense Kainerugaba’s continued threats against opposition figures, including Bobi Wine. It is imperative that opposition figure Dr. Kizza Besigye and human rights activist Dr. Sarah
Bireete is to be released from jail immediately, and the operating permits for civil society organizations are restored. Ugandan authorities must uphold their obligations to democracy, transparency, human rights, and the dignity of their fellow citizens.”

The media statement further urged the Trump administration and the State Department to hold all perpetrators accountable for violating democratic principles in the country.

It emphasized: “The Trump administration and U.S. State Department must use all tools available, including a review of U.S. security assistance, to hold individuals in Uganda accountable for undermining democratic principles and endangering the lives of citizens seeking to freely participate in the election.”

ENDS…

SOURCE: United States Senate Committee on Foreign Relations