Uganda’s long serving president Yoweri Museveni has been declared the winner of Thursday’s national election, securing another five year term in office and extending his rule to more than forty years.
According to the country’s election commission, Museveni received 72 percent of the vote. His main opponent Bobi Wine came second with 25 percent. Wine has rejected the outcome, describing the figures as fabricated and accusing authorities of ballot manipulation.
The opposition leader has not presented evidence to support his claims, and government officials have not issued a response. However, observers from the African Union stated that they did not witness any ballot stuffing during the voting process. Wine has urged his supporters to protest peacefully.
Museveni, who is now 81 years old, first took power in 1986 after leading a rebel movement. Since then, he has won seven presidential elections.
The election period was marked by unrest and violence across several parts of the country. Wine, a 43 year old former music star turned politician, claims that at least 21 people have died in incidents linked to the election. Government officials have so far confirmed seven fatalities.
While announcing the final results, the head of the electoral commission Simon Byabakama called on supporters from all sides to remain calm, promote unity, and accept the declared outcome.
Despite the announcement, there were no widespread celebrations. Streets in the capital Kampala remained largely deserted, and many businesses stayed closed. Some isolated clashes were reported in a few neighbourhoods.
Internet access has been shut down nationwide since Tuesday, making it difficult to confirm information from the ground. Authorities argue that the shutdown was intended to curb misinformation, electoral fraud, and incitement to violence. The move was criticised by the United Nations human rights office, which described it as deeply concerning.
Wine has called on the government to immediately restore internet services.
The African Union observer mission was led by former Nigerian president Goodluck Jonathan, who urged the government to avoid restricting internet access around elections. He also condemned reports of intimidation, arrests, and abductions, saying such actions created fear and weakened public confidence in the electoral process.
