Uganda’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Adonia Ayebare, has dismissed the European Parliament’s involvement in Uganda’s electoral affairs as ‘legally invalid’ and irrelevant to the country’s foreign policy.
Speaking on a local broadcast today, 24th February, 2026, Amb. Ayebare said that the European Parliament has no mandate over Uganda’s governance or foreign policy engagements.
“Our foreign policy is not run by the EU Parliament. Them discussing our election is like the Ugandan Parliament discussing the elections in the Netherlands,” the Ambassador said.
Uganda’s envoy maintained that much as the regional elections encountered disturbances, Uganda’s recent elections were peaceful despite concerns raised internationally.
“In the region, we had some ugly elections, but the Ugandan elections were peaceful and without incident. Many pundits even referred to it as the most boring election,” Ayebare noted.
The envoy further acknowledged observer concerns but referred to them as part of democratic growth.
“The world demands a credible and peaceful election. The observers pointed out some structural flaws that need to be fixed. I think every election provides lessons,” he stated.
Amb. Ayebare clarified that Uganda engages directly with the European Commission, not the EU Parliament, and so cannot police Uganda’s governance.
“Uganda is dealing with the EU Commission. They released what we believe is a measured statement on our elections, and we are engaging them on the flaws they identified,” he noted.
Uganda’s envoy also described the EU Parliament as ‘irrelevant when it comes to foreign policy’ and criticized opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu over his engagements with the EU Parliament on 23rd February, 2026.
“I understand NUP; they will hang on to anything that gives them visibility, but unfortunately they are hanging on to an irrelevant institution like the European Union Parliament,” the Ambassador highlighted.
Ayebare also dismissed claims of summoning Uganda’s Ambassador to Belgium, H.E. Mirjam Blaak, saying the EU Parliament has no mandate to summon her, adding that it was an invitation to address the EU Parliament, which was declined.
“Anyone can address the European Parliament… We do not believe that’s the right channel to address foreign policy,” he emphasized.
The remarks come amid heightened debate over international scrutiny of Uganda’s elections and sovereignty. However, Uganda and the European Union marked 50 years of cooperation in 2026, which will be officially celebrated this month of February.
