International Relations and Security Studies scholar, Professor Solomon Asiimwe, has offered critical insights on the diplomatic implications of recent appeals to the European Union (EU) from opposition figures, particularly former National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine.
Speaking during an exclusive interview with NBS Television on Friday, Asiimwe expressed concern about the asymmetry of power between Uganda and the EU, noting that although Uganda is an independent nation, it faces an uphill battle in confronting the EU on international diplomatic issues.
“The positioning of Uganda as an independent country to face the EU is not equal. There is an imbalance in power, and because of that, Uganda may have to yield to the demands of the EU,” he said.
Asiimwe highlighted that this imbalance is particularly evident in situations like the ongoing diplomatic tensions surrounding human rights concerns raised by Kyagulanyi.
He noted that while the EU Parliament cannot directly impose sanctions, it can influence the EU Council and member states to consider such measures, which has become central in the current discourse around Uganda’s governance.
Kyagulanyi, currently in hiding, has accused President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and his son, the Chief of Defence Forces General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, of orchestrating widespread violence and election manipulation during the general elections held on January 15th, 2026.
He addressed the Geneva Summit for Human Rights and Democracy virtually, detailing alleged human rights abuses including arrests, abductions, election rigging, and internet shutdowns.
"Ugandans are not seeking pity. We want the world to sanction Museveni, his son, and all human rights violators,” Kyagulanyi said, emphasizing sanctions as a tool for justice and Uganda’s democratic future. He also cited personal and family harassment, including home raids and public humiliation.
In the elections, Museveni was re-elected for a seventh consecutive term with 7,946,772 votes, representing 71.65 percent of the total valid votes cast—the first time he surpassed 70 percent since 1996.
Kyagulanyi got 2,741,238 votes (24.72 percent) and has publicly rejected the results as “fake,” alleging irregularities, though no substantial evidence has been provided.
He opted not to challenge the outcome in court, citing a lack of confidence in the judiciary, and instead called for peaceful protests.
Professor Asiimwe stressed the delicate nature of Uganda’s diplomatic engagement with the EU, acknowledging the Union’s global influence while reaffirming the importance of Uganda’s sovereignty.
He noted that the EU’s role in Uganda’s internal affairs is primarily through advocacy on human rights and democratic processes, and that Uganda’s response must balance sovereignty with diplomatic realities.
“The power dynamic between the EU and Uganda is a significant factor to consider. Uganda is unlikely to completely resist the EU's position due to the economic and diplomatic weight the EU carries,” Asiimwe said.