Uganda’s Electoral Commission has officially declared President Yoweri Museveni the winner of Thursday’s presidential election, extending his rule by another five years and pushing his time in power beyond four decades. According to the final results, Museveni secured 72 percent of the vote, defeating his main challenger, opposition leader Bobi Wine, who garnered 25 percent.
The announcement has deepened political tensions across the country, with Bobi Wine rejecting the outcome and describing the results as fraudulent. He accused authorities of ballot stuffing and manipulation, though he has not presented verifiable evidence to support the claims. The government has not issued a formal response to his allegations.
President Museveni, now 81 years old, first came to power in 1986 as the leader of a rebel movement that overthrew the previous regime. Since then, he has won seven elections, gradually consolidating power and positioning himself as Uganda’s longest-serving leader. His supporters credit him with bringing stability to a country once plagued by civil war, while critics argue that democratic space has steadily narrowed under his rule.
The election period was marked by unrest, violence, and heavy security deployment, particularly in opposition strongholds. Bobi Wine, a 43-year-old former pop star turned politician, claimed that at least 21 people were killed in election-related incidents in recent days. Authorities have acknowledged seven deaths so far, saying investigations are ongoing.
Compounding concerns over transparency, access to the internet across Uganda has been cut off since Tuesday, just days before the vote. The shutdown has severely restricted the flow of information, making it difficult for journalists, civil society groups, and election observers to independently verify reports of violence or irregularities.
Ugandan authorities defended the internet blackout, saying it was necessary to prevent the spread of misinformation, election fraud, and the incitement of violence. However, the move has drawn strong criticism from international observers. The United Nations human rights office described the shutdown as “deeply worrying,” warning that such actions undermine fundamental freedoms and electoral credibility.
Bobi Wine has repeatedly demanded the immediate restoration of internet services, arguing that the blackout is being used to suppress dissent and conceal abuses. His political party further escalated tensions overnight by claiming that Wine had been abducted from his home in Kampala, an allegation later denied by the police.
Hours later, Wine released a statement on Facebook saying he had narrowly evaded a night-time raid by security forces and was in hiding. He had earlier claimed that he was under house arrest, though police have not formally confirmed this. Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke stated that Wine’s movements were restricted due to security concerns in his residential area.
“We have controlled access to areas which are security hotspots,” Rusoke was quoted as saying by Uganda’s Daily Monitor. “We cannot allow people to use some places to gather and cause chaos.”
The opposition leader has since called on Ugandans to engage in non-violent protests, urging supporters to resist intimidation while avoiding actions that could lead to bloodshed. His appeal reflects growing frustration among young voters who see his campaign as a symbol of generational change.
Wine has positioned himself as the voice of Uganda’s youth, in a country where more than half of the population is under the age of 30. Throughout the campaign, he promised to combat corruption, reform state institutions, and restore democratic freedoms. His rallies attracted massive crowds, particularly in urban areas, despite frequent disruptions by security forces.
Museveni, by contrast, campaigned on a platform of continuity and stability. He warned that a change in leadership could plunge Uganda back into instability, pointing to the country’s turbulent past and ongoing security challenges in the region. His message resonated strongly in rural areas, where he continues to command significant support.
The campaign period was widely criticized by human rights organizations, which accused security forces of harassing, assaulting, and arbitrarily detaining opposition supporters. Several opposition events were reportedly blocked or broken up, raising concerns about the fairness of the electoral environment.
Police spokesperson Rusoke dismissed these accusations, blaming opposition supporters for provoking confrontations and disrupting public order. He insisted that law enforcement acted within the law to maintain peace and security.RELATED POST
In total, eight candidates contested the presidency, but none of the remaining six candidates received more than two percent of the vote. Voter turnout stood at 52.5 percent, a figure analysts say reflects both political engagement and growing disillusionment among sections of the electorate.
As Uganda enters another Museveni-led term, questions remain about political reforms, civil liberties, and the future of opposition politics in the country. International observers are expected to release their assessments in the coming days, which may influence Uganda’s diplomatic relations and aid partnerships.
For now, the political climate remains tense. With opposition leaders contesting the results, internet access restricted, and security forces on high alert, the aftermath of the election may prove as consequential as the vote itself.
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