Russia has weighed in on Uganda’s 2026 general elections, with the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs assessing the conduct of the polls and reaffirming diplomatic engagement with Kampala.
In a statement on Saturday, January 17, the Ministry praised the conduct of Uganda’s general elections on Thursday, describing the voting process as orderly and calm.
The Ministry further reaffirmed Russia’s readiness to strengthen ties with the East African nation, as President Yoweri Museveni maintained a decisive lead in vote tallies ahead of the official results announcement expected later Saturday.
“On January 15, the Republic of Uganda held its general election,” the Russian Foreign Ministry said, adding that international and African observers, including those from Russia, reported that “no serious violations were identified that could have affected the outcome of the vote.”
“Moscow welcomes the fact that Uganda succeeded in holding the presidential and parliamentary elections and reaffirms its readiness to further strengthen Russia’s relations with this country in the traditional spirit of friendship.”
Museveni maintains strong lead in vote count
The comments came as Uganda’s Electoral Commission continued tallying votes ahead of an official results announcement expected later on Saturday.
According to provisional figures released earlier in the day, Museveni was leading with 7,643,778 votes, representing 71.88% of ballots counted, while opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, was in second place with 2,601,150 votes (24.26%).
Earlier commission updates had placed Museveni’s support at between 73% and 75% as counting progressed, with more than 80% of polling stations reporting. President Museveni has been in power since 1986 and is seeking another term that would further extend his decades-long rule.
Also Read: Uganda Elections 2026: Voting, Counting and How Results Are Announced
Despite Russia’s endorsement of Uganda’s electoral process, the vote has been contested by the opposition and closely watched by the international community.
Bobi Wine had on Friday rejected the credibility of the tallying process, accusing the Electoral Commission of lacking transparency.
“IGNORE the fake results being announced by Byabakama. He can’t tell anybody where those results are coming from,” Wine said in a statement posted on Friday.
“Our agents at the tally centre are asking him for the source of these results, and the regime enabler can’t say a thing.”
Wine also claimed that security forces surrounded his home following the vote, adding that armed personnel entered his compound and restricted movement in and out of the residence.
Army denies Bobi Wine’s abduction claims
Uganda’s military, however, on Saturday denied allegations that Wine had been abducted from his home, following reports by his party that he had been taken away by an army helicopter.
“The rumours of his so-called arrest are baseless and unfounded,” army spokesperson Chris Magezi told AFP.
“They are designed to incite his supporters into acts of violence.”
Also Read: Bobi Wine Captured by Military, Taken Away in Chopper – NUP
AFP reported that there was calm outside Wine’s residence early Saturday, although communication challenges caused by the ongoing internet blackout prevented direct contact with opposition officials.
As tensions rose during vote counting, the United States issued a nationwide security alert for Uganda on Friday.
“There are reports of security forces using teargas and firing into the air to disperse gatherings,” the US Embassy said, urging American citizens to avoid crowds, limit movement, and remain vigilant.
The advisory forms part of growing international attention on Uganda as the country awaits the final declaration of results.
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