Uganda’s long-serving President Yoweri Museveni has been re-elected to a seventh term in office, according to official results released by the Electoral Commission on Saturday.
Museveni, 81, secured 71.65 percent of the vote, defeating his main challenger, opposition leader Bobi Wine, who garnered 24.72 percent. The victory had been widely anticipated, with Museveni having indicated before the vote that he expected to win comfortably.
However, the election has been overshadowed by serious concerns over its credibility. The United Nations described the campaign period as being marked by “widespread repression and intimidation,” including heavy restrictions on opposition rallies and activities. Voting also took place during a nationwide internet shutdown, a move that attracted sharp criticism both locally and internationally.
Bobi Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi, alleged on social media that “massive ballot stuffing” occurred on Election Day. While international election observers said they found no direct evidence of ballot manipulation, they strongly condemned reports of intimidation, arrests, and abductions targeting opposition supporters and civil society groups.
Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, who led a team of election observers from the African Union and regional bodies, said such actions instilled fear and undermined public confidence in the electoral process. He noted that the internet blackout disrupted effective monitoring and increased public suspicion, although he described voting on Election Day as generally peaceful.
Security remained tight across the country following the announcement of the results. According to reports from AFP, police maintained a heavy presence in Kampala to deter potential protests.
Bobi Wine claimed earlier on Saturday that he had narrowly escaped a police and military raid on his home. In a statement, he said his wife and other family members remained under house arrest, while security forces were allegedly searching for him.
Meanwhile, the opposition reported that at least 10 people were killed during a police operation at the home of an opposition lawmaker in Butambala, southwest of Kampala. Authorities disputed the figure, putting the death toll at seven and accusing armed opposition supporters of attacking a police station and a vote-tallying centre.
Throughout the campaign, Bobi Wine’s rallies were repeatedly disrupted by security forces using tear gas and live bullets, resulting in at least one death and the arrest of hundreds of supporters.
Museveni, who has ruled Uganda since 1986, has faced longstanding accusations of suppressing political dissent. Over the years, constitutional amendments removed both age and term limits, allowing him to extend his grip on power. Preliminary parliamentary results also show his ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) maintaining a strong majority, with vote counting still ongoing.
Despite mounting criticism, Museveni’s continued dominance reflects his firm control over the state and security institutions, reinforcing his status as one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders.
