Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has been declared the winner of the country’s presidential election, securing a seventh term in office after a tense and controversial campaign. The electoral commission announced on Saturday that Museveni, 81, won 71.65 percent of the vote, defeating his main challenger, opposition leader Bobi Wine, who polled 24.72 percent.
The result followed an election period marked by heavy security presence, restrictions on opposition activities, and a nationwide internet shutdown.
Museveni’s re election came amid widespread criticism from international observers and rights groups. The United Nations described the campaign as being characterised by repression and intimidation, citing crackdowns on opposition rallies and arrests of supporters.
Election day was also conducted under an internet blackout that drew global concern. Bobi Wine, a singer turned politician whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi, alleged massive ballot stuffing and rejected the outcome, with his National Unity Platform party describing the results as a sham.
Tensions remained high after the vote, with Bobi Wine saying he narrowly escaped a raid on his home by security forces, while members of his family were placed under house arrest. Police maintained a strong presence across Kampala to deter possible protests.
The opposition claimed that at least 10 people were killed during a police operation at the home of one of its lawmakers in Butambala, although authorities put the death toll at seven and blamed violence on armed opposition supporters.
Despite the controversy, some Ugandans welcomed Museveni’s victory, crediting him with restoring stability after years of post independence turmoil and driving economic growth. Election observers said they found no direct evidence of ballot stuffing but raised concerns about intimidation, arrests, and abductions targeting opposition figures and civil society.
Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, who led an African Union observer mission, said the internet shutdown undermined transparency and public confidence, even though voting itself was largely peaceful. Museveni, who has ruled Uganda since 1986 and amended the constitution to remove term and age limits, also saw his ruling National Resistance Movement secure a strong lead in parliamentary races, according to provisional results.