Uganda’s long-serving president, Yoweri Museveni, has been declared the winner of the country’s presidential election, securing a seventh term in office, according to the Uganda Electoral Commission.
The electoral commission announced on Saturday that Museveni, 81, won 71.65 percent of the vote in Thursday’s poll, extending his rule to nearly four decades. His main challenger, opposition leader Bobi Wine, received 24.72 percent, based on official results.
The election followed a tense campaign marked by a nationwide internet blackout, heavy security deployments and repeated allegations of repression targeting opposition supporters. The United Nations and other observers said the campaign environment was characterized by intimidation and restrictions on political activity, particularly against the opposition.
Bobi Wine, a former musician turned politician whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi, rejected the results, calling them “fake” and alleging widespread irregularities, including ballot stuffing and the failure of biometric voter identification machines in urban areas. He said security forces raided his home following the vote, forcing him into hiding. Police denied arresting him but said access to the area was restricted for security reasons.
Election observers from the African Union and regional bodies said they found no direct evidence of ballot stuffing but expressed concern over reports of arrests, abductions and intimidation, which they said undermined public trust in the electoral process. Former Nigerian president Goodluck Jonathan, who led an observer mission, said the internet shutdown disrupted effective monitoring, though he described voting day itself as largely peaceful.
Authorities reported at least seven deaths linked to post-election violence, while opposition figures claimed the toll was higher. Police said clashes occurred after opposition supporters attempted to attack a tallying center, an account disputed by opposition lawmakers.
Museveni has been in power since 1986 and has previously amended the constitution to remove presidential term and age limits. His ruling National Resistance Movement also took a strong lead in parliamentary races, according to provisional results that were still being finalized.
Despite longstanding criticism from rights groups, Museveni retains support among segments of the population who credit him with restoring stability and overseeing economic growth after years of turmoil. Uganda has never experienced a peaceful transfer of power since independence, and the latest vote is expected to face legal and political challenges in the days ahead.
