Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, the chairperson of the African Union Commission, has congratulated President Yoweri Museveni for winning Uganda's January 15, 2026 presidential election.

"H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf commends the conduct of the elections in Uganda and congratulates H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on his re-election with 71.61% of the votes cast during the presidential elections held on January 15, 2026," the African Union said in a statement on X social network on Saturday.

The AU chief also extended his appreciation to Nigeria's former President Goodluck Jonathan for his "sterling leadership of the Joint African Union/; Common Market of Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA)/Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Election Observation Mission to Uganda," the AU said.

"The chairperson further reiterates the commitment of the African Union Commission to continue to support the promotion of democracy and effective governance in the continent, while applauding the people of Uganda for their commitment to consolidating democratic gains, peace, security, and development," the AU added.

Museveni party wins many parliamentary seats

On Saturday, Uganda's electoral commission announced that President Museveni had won a seventh term in the January 15 elections.

Museveni, 81, won slightly over 71% % of the vote, while his main challenger Bobi Wine, a 43-year-old musician-turned-politician, got 24.72% of the vote.

Museveni's ruling party, the National Resistance Movement, also had a commanding lead in parliamentary seats, according to provisional results.

During the election in Uganda internet was cut, with the government saying it was an intervention to avert the spread of "misinformation."