from HASSAN ONYANGO in Kampala, Uganda
Uganda Bureau
KAMPALA, (CAJ News) – THE African Union Commission (AUC) has incurred the wrath of citizens after endorsing the re-election of Yoweri Museveni as president of Uganda.
AUC was among the first to congratulate the incumbent who has retained power after polls held on Wednesday in the East African country.
The veteran politician polled 71,61 percent of the vote, controversially.
The reported house arrest of his main rival, Bobi Wine, abduction of opposition leaders on election day, as well repression on the eve of the poll marred the exercise.
Yet, the African Union Commission commended the conduct of elections and congratulated Museveni (81).
Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, AUC chairperson, congratulated Museveni.
“The chairperson further reiterates the commitment of the AUC 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,” his spokesperson said.
Citizens from around the continent differed.
“In light of the malpractice and violence towards the opposition, the AU should have done a proper service of keeping quiet. Silence is golden,” Godfrey Chomba said.
Joseph Khalifa commented, “AU is for dictators who don’t pity humans please close this organisation. It’s useless to have this organisation in Africa.”
In power since 1986, Museveni is the third-longest consecutively serving current non-royal national leader in the world, after securing a seventh term in the latest election.
Gregory Mumba said, “AU is useless.”
“Very foolish,” Hastings Chileshe reacted to the AU endorsement of Museveni.
A crackdown of opponents, closure of human rights groups and shutdown of the internet marred Uganda’s polls.
– CAJ News