President Yoweri Museveni has been declared the winner of the Uganda presidential election, extending his rule to more than 40 years after securing another five-year term.
The Electoral Commission said Museveni won 72% of the vote, while his closest challenger, opposition leader Bobi Wine, received 25%.
Bobi Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi, rejected the results, describing them as “fake” and accusing the authorities of ballot stuffing. He has called on Ugandans to protest peacefully, although he has not yet provided evidence to support the allegations.
Museveni, 81, first came to power in 1986 after leading a rebel movement and has now won seven elections. He says his leadership has brought stability to the country.
The vote was held amid heavy security and internet restrictions. Uganda’s internet has been cut since Tuesday, making it difficult to verify information. The government says the blackout is to prevent misinformation and violence, but the United Nations has criticised the move as “deeply worrying”.
Bobi Wine, 43, says at least 21 people have been killed during election-related violence, while the authorities have confirmed seven deaths.
Overnight, Wine’s party claimed he had been abducted from his home in Kampala, a claim denied by police. Wine later said he had avoided a raid and was in hiding. Police say his movements are restricted because his area is considered a security hotspot.
The campaign was marked by arrests and clashes between security forces and opposition supporters. Rights groups have accused the government of using force to suppress dissent, allegations the authorities deny.
Uganda has a young population, with most citizens under 30, and unemployment, corruption and the economy were key issues in the campaign. Wine promised major reforms, while Museveni said he remains the only leader who can guarantee stability.
