The United States has issued yet another security alert to its citizens in Uganda, a day after Yoweli Museveni was announced as the winner of the recently concluded presidential elections.
In a statement on Sunday, January 18, the U.S. embassy in Uganda flagged potential unrest, stating that even though calm seems to have been restored following the government's restoration of internet connectivity after a two-day shutdown, U.S. citizens should be vigilant over possible demonstrations.
The embassy noted that U.S. citizens should ensure that they have their identification, including a U.S passport with a current Ugandan Visa at all times and keep a low profile.
"On Saturday, January 17, 2026, the Government of Uganda announced the results of presidential and parliamentary elections and restored Internet service. U.S. citizens are encouraged to continue to exercise enhanced precautions and avoid any demonstrations," the embassy stated.
Furthermore, U.S citizens have been encouraged to refrain from going to crowds, engage in demonstration and also be aware of their surroundings to avert potential security risks associated with post-election tensions.
U.S citizens should also ensure that they monitor local media updates and carry a charged cell phone and program emergency numbers into their mobile devices, in case they find themselves in any form of danger.
The latest U.S security alert comes amid the brewing political tension following the recently concluded Uganda elections, which some individuals, particularly the country's opposition side, claimed were irregular.
The Uganda Electoral Commission declared Museveni the winner of Uganda's presidential race on Saturday, January 17, after garnering 71.65 per cent of the total votes, translating to 7,946,772 votes.
Museveni's main opponent, Robert Kyagulanyi, alias Bobi Wine, came second garnered 24.72 percent of the total votes cast, translating to 2,741,238 votes.
Bobi, who was the presidential candidate of the National Unity Platform (NUP), had earlier rejected the election results, saying that they were 'a massive fraud.'
However, the African Union Commission's chairperson, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, commended the conduct of the elections, saying that it was in line with the democratic rights of the people of Uganda.
In a statement on Saturday, January 18, Youssouf applauded the people of Uganda for upholding peace and security, while also embracing democratic gains during the elections.
"The Chairperson expresses sincere appreciation to H.E. Goodluck Jonathan, former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, for his sterling leadership of the Joint African Union, COMESA, IGAD election Observation Mission to Uganda," the AU statement read.
In the recent past, East African Countries have experienced periods of political tension and demonstrations, often triggered by elections or public mistrust in governments, moments that have prompted other countries, such as the U.S., to issue such alerts to their citizens.
In October 2025, Tanzania experineced post elections violelence after Samia Suluhu was declared president for her second term, which led to loss of lives and the displacement of hundreds.
On the other hand, Kenya has experienced multiple demonstrations, most notably the anti-government demonstrations on June 25, 2024, and June 25, 2025, where several lost their lives and others were injured.
