Uganda election observation mission arrives in Kampala
A high-level regional election observation mission bringing together the African Union, COMESA and IGAD has arrived in Uganda to monitor the January 15, 2026 general elections. The delegation travelled at the invitation of the Government of Uganda and the country’s Electoral Commission.
84 African short-term observers to assess polling credibility
The AU–COMESA–IGAD Election Observation Mission includes 84 short-term observers drawn from across Africa. Their mandate is to evaluate the credibility and overall conduct of the polls, with deployments planned across Uganda’s regions for election-day monitoring.
Three South Sudanese delegates join AU–COMESA–IGAD observers
South Sudan is represented by William Kolnyin Deng and Mangar Alit Kecuol, officials of the National Elections Commission of South Sudan. The delegation also includes Taban Phillip Patrick Attara, a South Sudanese representative to the IGAD Youth Forum for Peace.
South Sudan’s regional engagement ahead of December 2026 polls
South Sudan is also preparing for general elections in December 2026, according to the source. The participation of South Sudanese election officials and a youth peace advocate is presented as part of broader regional efforts to promote democratic governance, transparency and peaceful political transitions.
Goodluck Jonathan leads the joint AU–COMESA–IGAD team
The mission is headed by Goodluck Jonathan, former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. He is supported by Ambassador Shemsudin Ahmed Roble from the COMESA Committee of Elders, and Commander Abebe Muluneh Beyene representing IGAD.
Museveni vs Bobi Wine shapes Uganda’s January 2026 contest
Uganda’s election features incumbent President Yoweri Museveni, 81, seeking a seventh term. Opposition candidate Bobi Wine, 43, is again challenging for the National Resistance Movement Chairman, in what the source describes as a repressive political environment.
Polling-day checks: opening, voting, closing and counting
Observers are tasked with following key election-day processes, including the opening of polling stations, voting procedures, closing of polls and vote counting. The source says deployments cover all regions to capture variations in how procedures are implemented.
Diplomats, civil society and experts form observer delegation
The mission brings together diplomats accredited to the AU, election management officials and civil society actors. It also includes election and human rights experts, gender and media specialists, as well as youth representatives, reflecting a multi-disciplinary approach to observation.
Standards used: national law, AU principles and international norms
In a joint statement cited by Sudans Post, the mission says it will assess the election against Uganda’s national laws and continental and international standards. These include the AU Declaration on the Principles Governing Democratic Elections and the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance.
Meetings planned with Electoral Commission, parties and media
Beyond polling-day observation, the mission plans engagements with Uganda’s Electoral Commission, political parties, media outlets and civil society organisations. It will also meet representatives of the international community and other election observation missions active in the country.
Preliminary statement set for January 17, final report within a month
The AU–COMESA–IGAD mission is expected to deliver a preliminary statement on January 17, 2026, during a press conference in Kampala, the source says. A final report is planned within one month after Uganda’s Electoral Commission announces official results.
What the mission signals for South Sudan’s election preparedness
The inclusion of South Sudan’s NEC officials and an IGAD youth peace representative is described as highlighting a growing engagement in regional democratic processes. The source frames this participation as relevant as South Sudan continues preparations for its own long-delayed elections.