Yoweri Museveni has won the Uganda election and secured his seventh term in office with more than 70% of the vote, state election authorities said, amid an internet shutdown and allegations of fraud by his main opponent.
Official results showed Museveni winning with 72% of the vote. At 81, he has now ruled the east African country for four decades, making him one of the world’s longest-serving leaders.
Opposition rejects results and alleges irregularities
His opponent, the youthful musician-turned-politician Bobi Wine, condemned what he described as “fake results,” alleging widespread irregularities, including the kidnapping of polling staff. He called for peaceful protests to pressure authorities to release what he termed the “rightful results.”
Among the reported problems was the failure of biometric voter identification machines, particularly in urban areas that are strongholds of the opposition. Electoral officials reverted to manual voter lists, a move Wine claimed enabled “massive ballot stuffing” and favoured the incumbent’s party. Museveni publicly endorsed the use of the manual register.
Security raids and disputed arrests
Wine alleged that he fled his home to avoid arrest after security forces raided his residence. His party earlier claimed he was taken away in an army helicopter.
“Last night was very difficult at our home … The military and the police raided us. They switched off power and cut off some of our CCTV cameras,” Wine said in a post on X.
Police denied arresting Wine, saying instead they restricted access to the area to prevent unrest. Journalists were blocked from approaching his residence, and Wine’s whereabouts remained unclear in the days following the vote.
Violence and security response on election day
Despite the internet shutdown and fraud claims, the Uganda election largely passed without widespread violence. However, clashes were reported in central Uganda, where police said seven people were killed and three injured after officers fired in self-defence against opposition “goons.”
This account was disputed by opposition MP Muwanga Kivumbi, who said security forces killed at least 10 people at his home in the Butambala area. Museveni later echoed the police version, claiming the deaths followed a planned attack on a ballot-tallying centre and police station.
International criticism and rights concerns
Uganda is classified as “not free” by rights group Freedom House, which notes that while elections are regularly held, they are not considered credible. African election observers and rights organisations criticised the poll due to heavy repression of the opposition and the nationwide internet blackout.
The government blocked the internet two days before the vote, citing the need to prevent misinformation and incitement to violence. While limited internet access was restored, a ban on social media platforms remained in place.
Museveni defends victory and attacks opposition
In his victory speech, Museveni accused the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) of attempting to use violence to overturn the election outcome.
“Some of the opposition are wrong and also terrorists,” Museveni said, alleging links to foreign actors. He warned opponents to “stop everything,” stating that authorities were aware of their actions.
A long rule without peaceful transition
Uganda has not experienced a peaceful transfer of power since independence from Britain more than 60 years ago. Museveni has amended the constitution to remove both presidential term limits and age limits, enabling him to remain in office. Several opposition figures have been jailed or prosecuted, including veteran leader Kizza Besigye, who faces an ongoing treason trial.
Despite criticism, Museveni is credited by supporters with bringing relative stability and economic growth, with forecasts suggesting further expansion next year.
Source: The Guardian
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