The European Union “takes note of the results of the presidential elections declared by the Electoral Commission in Uganda”, which saw Yoweri Museveni won, emphasised the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, on 20 January. He also called on the Ugandan authorities to respect fundamental freedoms pending the end of the electoral process.
In a statement issued on behalf of the EU-27, he emphasised the fact that “the EU welcomes that no major violent incidents were reported on election day but regrets that the disproportionate role given to security forces during the elections brought forth violence in the pre-electoral period, harassment of opposition leaders, suppression of civil society actors and media, and the raiding of a domestic observer’s office”.
The EU therefore calls on the government to respect the freedom of expression and the right to peaceful and safe assembly, including the free movement of all political actors and their supporters. It is “gravely concerned by the continued harassment of political actors and parts of civil society”.
The EU-27 notes that “ the government must ensure that security services act with restraint” and that any abuses are impartially investigated.
Pending the final results of the electoral process, it calls on all parties to refrain from any form of violence. (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)