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Uganda’s long-serving President Yoweri Museveni has been declared the winner of the country’s presidential election, securing a seventh term in office after defeating his main challenger, Bobi Wine. The electoral commission announced that Museveni won just under 72 percent of the vote, compared with about 25 percent for Wine.
The result extends Museveni’s rule beyond four decades. First coming to power in 1986 as a rebel leader, the 81-year-old has dominated Uganda’s political landscape for most of its post-independence history, winning seven elections since taking office.
The election was held amid a tense political climate marked by allegations of repression, violence and intimidation. The United Nations and other observers said the campaign period was marred by disruptions of opposition activities, arrests of supporters and the use of force by security agencies.
Voting also took place under a nationwide internet blackout imposed days before polling. Authorities said the shutdown was necessary to prevent misinformation and unrest, but the move drew strong criticism from human rights groups and international observers, who argued it undermined transparency and public trust in the electoral process.
Bobi Wine, a 43-year-old pop singer-turned-politician whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi, rejected the results and accused authorities of ballot stuffing and electoral fraud. He called the outcome “fake results” and urged supporters to pursue non-violent protests. While Wine has not provided detailed evidence for his claims, he demanded the immediate restoration of internet services.
Security was heavily deployed across the country following the vote. Police confirmed several deaths linked to post-election violence, though opposition figures say the true toll may be higher. Wine also claimed his home was raided by security forces and that his movements were restricted, assertions the police said were due to security concerns in the area.
Museveni has defended his long tenure by citing Uganda’s relative stability and economic prospects, including expected growth tied to the start of oil production. However, his continued grip on power has intensified speculation over succession, particularly amid reports that he may favour his son, military chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba a claim the president has repeatedly denied.
As Uganda awaits the aftermath of another contested election, the electoral commission and regional observers have called for calm and unity, even as questions persist over democratic freedoms and the country’s political future.
