Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has been declared the winner of the country’s January 15 presidential election, securing a seventh term in office amid strong objections from the opposition.
The Electoral Commission announced that Museveni polled 7.94 million votes, defeating his main challenger, opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, who garnered about 2.7 million votes. The result extends Museveni’s rule until 2031, further consolidating his nearly four-decade hold on power.
The election was conducted against a backdrop of heightened political tension, with reports of an opposition crackdown, restrictions on public gatherings, and a nationwide internet shutdown during the voting and collation period. Opposition groups and civil society organisations also raised concerns over alleged violence and intimidation.
Tensions escalated following reports of a security raid on Bobi Wine’s residence shortly after the polls, sparking widespread speculation and rumours that he had been abducted. Bobi Wine later dismissed the abduction claims, confirming that he was safe but alleging continued harassment by security forces.
While the government welcomed the outcome as a reflection of the will of the electorate, Bobi Wine rejected the results, describing the vote as “rigged” and lacking credibility. He accused the authorities of widespread electoral malpractice and called on his supporters to engage in nonviolent protests to challenge the outcome.
International reactions were mixed. Observers from the African Union acknowledged logistical and procedural shortcomings but commended the electoral process overall, noting that voting was largely peaceful in many parts of the country.
Museveni, who first came to power in 1986, has defended the conduct of the election and dismissed allegations of fraud. However, the disputed outcome is expected to fuel further political debate and legal challenges as Uganda navigates the aftermath of another closely watched election.
