Ugandan President Museveni re-elected to seventh term amid disputed election

In the Uganda presidential election, President Yoweri Museveni has been re-elected to a seventh term, extending his rule to more than four decades. The Electoral Commission announced on Saturday that Museveni secured 72 percent of the vote, defeating his closest challenger, opposition leader Bobi Wine, who received 25 percent.

The result followed voting held on Thursday and marked another five-year term for the 81-year-old leader, who first came to power in 1986 as a rebel commander.

Opposition rejects results, calls for protests

Bobi Wine, a 43-year-old former pop star turned politician, rejected the announced results, describing them as “fake” and alleging widespread ballot stuffing. Although he has not presented evidence to support the claims, he urged his supporters to engage in non-violent protests.

Wine says he represents Uganda’s young population, noting that most citizens are under the age of 30. During his campaign, he promised to fight corruption and implement broad political reforms.

Election marked by violence and tensions

The election unfolded amid reports of violence and heavy security deployment. Wine claims that at least 21 people lost their lives during election-related unrest across the country, while authorities have confirmed seven deaths.

Security forces disrupted several opposition campaign events, drawing criticism from human rights groups. Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke dismissed allegations of abuse, accusing opposition supporters of disorderly conduct.

Internet shutdown raises international concern

Authorities shut down internet access nationwide days before the vote, making independent verification of events difficult. The government said the blackout aimed to prevent misinformation, fraud, and incitement to violence.

The United Nations human rights office criticized the move, calling it “deeply worrying.” Wine has demanded the immediate restoration of internet services.

Conflicting claims over Bobi Wine’s safety

Wine’s party claimed that security forces abducted him from his home in Kampala, a statement police denied. Wine later said he had evaded a night-time security raid and gone into hiding, after previously stating that authorities had placed him under house arrest.

Police said they restricted movement around his residence because it qualified as a “security hotspot.”

Museveni defends record, promises stability

Museveni campaigned on his record of maintaining stability in a country with a history of political conflict. He argued that his leadership remains essential for Uganda’s security and economic progress.

Six other candidates contested the election, but none secured more than two percent of the vote. Voter turnout stood at 52.5 percent, according to the Electoral Commission.

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