Djibouti’s President Congratulates Museveni on Controversial Seventh-Term Win

Djibouti, January 19, 2026 Djibouti’s President Ismail Omar Guelleh on Monday congratulated Uganda's Yoweri Museveni on his re-election, praising the veteran leader as a "masterpiece" for regional stability following a disputed vote.

The 81-year-old Museveni, who has held power since 1986, was declared the winner of the Jan. 15 election on Saturday, securing a seventh term with 71.65 per cent of the vote. His main challenger, pop-star-turned-politician Robert Kyagulanyi—better known as Bobi Wine—trailed with 24.72 per cent amid allegations of widespread fraud and an internet blackout.

In a congratulatory telegram President Guelleh said the "broadly dominant score" was a "perfect illustration" of popular support for Museveni’s leadership.

"Under your enlightened leadership, the sister nation of Uganda has... gained the commendable reputation of being a masterpiece in the pacifying and stabilizing of our region, especially in Somalia," Guelleh wrote.

Uganda is a primary troop contributor to the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), where it plays a critical role in battling Al-Qaeda-linked Al-Shabaab militants. Both Djibouti and Uganda are key security partners in the volatile Horn of Africa, often coordinating on regional counter-terrorism efforts.