Yoweri Museveni Secures Seventh Term Amid Controversy in Uganda

Sun Jan 18 2026 18:13:37 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Yoweri Museveni's election victory marks an extension of his 40-year presidency. Opposition leader Bobi Wine claims election irregularities, leading to unrest and protests across the nation.

Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni has been re-elected with 72% of the vote, extending his rule to a remarkable 40 years. However, the election has faced allegations of misconduct from challenger Bobi Wine, who accused the government of 'ballot stuffing' and called for protests. Concerns over violence and internet restrictions after the election have emerged, as the nation braces for further political unrest.

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has been declared the winner of Thursday's election extending his four decades in power by another five years.

He gained 72% of the vote, the election commission announced, against 25% for his closest challenger Bobi Wine, who has condemned what he described as fake results and ballot stuffing.

Wine has not provided any details on the alleged irregularities, and the authorities have not responded to his allegations. However, African Union election observers stated they saw no evidence of ballot stuffing. Wine called for non-violent protests.

Museveni, 81, first came to power as a rebel leader in 1986 but has since won seven elections.

The election process was marred by violence, with Wine stating that at least 21 people have been killed in the days leading up to the election, while authorities have confirmed seven deaths.

Electoral commission head Simon Byabakama requested supporters of both sides to embrace unity and accept the results. However, there were minimal celebrations beyond the national tallying center, and many roads in the capital, Kampala, were reportedly empty.

Pockets of violence have been noted in several neighborhoods, and there has been a reported internet blackout since Tuesday to prevent misinformation and potential incitement of violence. This move has faced condemnation from the UN human rights office as deeply worrying.

Wine has demanded the restoration of internet access. Observers, including Nigeria's former President Goodluck Jonathan, criticized the government for restricting internet access and highlighted reports of intimidation and arrests, further eroding public trust in the electoral process.

Speaking about the opposition situation, Wine's assistant alleged that security personnel tried to enter Wine's home on election night, and his current whereabouts are unclear. Wine claims he represents the youth of Uganda, promoting promises to combat corruption and drive significant reforms, all while Museveni positions himself as the only guarantor of stability in a historically conflict-prone country.

The elections also featured six other candidates, but none garnered more than 2% of the vote, with a voter turnout of 52.5%.

The campaign has been characterized by severe disruptions and security force assaults on Wine's supporters, although police have dismissed these claims, accusing supporters of being the disruptive force.