The United Kingdom has welcomed the victory of Yoweri Museveni in what it described as “relatively calm” presidential election in Uganda.
Museveni won almost 59% of the vote, with opposition leader Bobi Wine trailing with about 35%, the Electoral Commission said.
Thursday’s poll may turn out to be the “most cheating-free” in the history of the African nation, the president said.
However, in reaction on Saturday, the UK through Minister for Africa, James Duddridge, said:
“The UK Government welcomes the relatively calm passing of the elections in Uganda and notes the re-election of H.E. Yoweri Museveni as President.
“Many in Uganda and beyond have expressed concerns about the overall political climate in the run up to the elections as well as the electoral process. It is important these concerns are raised, investigated and resolved in a peaceful, legal and constitutional manner. We ask that all parties, including the security services, but also all of Uganda’s political movements, act with restraint to ensure the peaceful resolution of disputes.
We commend the role of the media, observers and civil society throughout the elections. The UK is concerned by the national internet shutdown, which clearly limited the transparency of the elections, and constrained the freedoms that Ugandans are entitled to.
The UK is a steadfast advocate for Ugandan democracy and we will continue to work to achieve inclusive democratic progress that delivers for future generations. As a longstanding partner, we urge Uganda to continue to strive to meet its own international human rights commitments, including respecting the right to freedom of opinion, freedom of expression and freedom of the media.
