On the Post-election situation in Uganda and threats against opposition leader Bobi Wine

B100121/2026

European Parliament resolution on the Post-election situation in Uganda and threats against opposition leader Bobi Wine

(2026/2611(RSP))

The European Parliament,

having regard to its previous resolutions on Uganda,

having regard to Rule 150(5) of its Rules of Procedure,

A.whereas Uganda has experienced a persistent deterioration of democratic standards and respect for fundamental freedoms in recent electoral cycles; whereas the elections held on 15 January 2026 were characterised by severe restrictions on civic space, intimidation of opposition figures and misuse of state resources, which significantly undermined the credibility of the electoral process;

B.whereas Ugandan authorities conducted a brutal repression against opposition supporters, resulting in over 400 arbitrary arrests before election day and hundreds more afterwards, with credible reports of torture and other ill-treatment in detention;

C.whereas opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, alias Bobi Wine, and members of his party, the National Unity Platform (NUP), have been subjected to repeated arbitrary arrests, physical attacks, surveillance, travel restrictions, judicial harassment and threats; whereas several senior members remain missing or in detention; whereas, on 28 November 2025, NUP supporter Mesach Okello was fatally shot during a peaceful rally;

D.whereas civil society organisations were arbitrarily suspended and human rights defenders targeted, including the arrest and prolonged detention of Dr Sarah Bireete, in violation of constitutional guarantees and fair trial standards;

E.whereas the continued use of military courts to try civilians, including the prolonged detention of opposition figure Dr Kizza Besigye under inhumane conditions, raises serious concerns regarding due process;

F.whereas internet shutdowns, restrictions on social media platforms and harassment of journalists have significantly curtailed freedom of expression and access to information;

1.Strongly condemns the post-election repression, including intimidation and violence against opposition leader Bobi Wine and other opposition politicians, journalists, civil society actors and peaceful protesters; denounces the killing of Mesach Okello;

2.Calls on the Ugandan authorities to immediately cease all forms of harassment, surveillance and judicial persecution;

3.Demands the immediate and unconditional release of all individuals arbitrarily detained, including Dr Kizza Besigye, the disclosure of all missing persons’ whereabouts and the dropping of all politically motivated charges against Dr Sarah Bireete;

4.Urges the authorities to conduct prompt, independent, impartial and effective investigations into all alleged human rights violations, ensuring accountability within the security forces;

5.Calls on Uganda to cease the use of military courts to try civilians and to fully align judicial practices with constitutional safeguards and international fair trial standards, including access to independent civilian courts and effective judicial oversight;

6.Condemns the blanket internet shutdown and ongoing social media restrictions and calls for an end to the use of digital repression;

7.Urges the Ugandan authorities to undertake comprehensive electoral and institutional reforms, including ensuring the independence of the Electoral Commission and judiciary;

8.Calls on the EU and its Member States to review their cooperation with Uganda to ensure that any ongoing cooperation with Uganda neither undermines EU principles nor makes the EU complicit in any human rights violation;

9.Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the VP/HR, the Ugandan authorities, and the African Union.