Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has been declared the winner of the country’s presidential election, extending his rule to nearly four decades amid allegations of fraud, sporadic violence, and the disappearance of his main challenger.
The Electoral Commission announced on Saturday that Museveni, 81, had secured just under 72 percent of the vote, defeating opposition leader Bobi Wine, who received 24 percent. The result consolidates Museveni’s grip on power at a time when debate over his succession is intensifying.
Wine, a former pop star turned politician whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi, said he narrowly escaped a military raid on his home shortly after polls closed and is now in hiding. In a statement posted on social media, he alleged that security forces cut power to his house and disabled surveillance cameras before storming the premises.
“I want to confirm that I managed to escape,” Wine said, adding that his wife and other family members were effectively under house arrest, claims that authorities had not immediately confirmed.
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The election was conducted under an internet blackout imposed by authorities, who said the move was necessary to curb misinformation. Wine rejected the results, alleging widespread vote rigging and urging supporters to protest.
Tensions escalated after at least one violent incident was reported in central Uganda, where police said seven people were killed after officers fired in self-defence against what they described as opposition-linked groups. Opposition figures disputed the account, accusing security forces of using excessive force.
While fears of large-scale post-election violence did not materialise, the campaign period was marked by repeated disruptions of opposition rallies, mass arrests, and the use of tear gas and live ammunition by security forces. Museveni has now won seven presidential elections since taking power in 1986, having amended the constitution to remove both term and age limits.
Despite long-standing criticism over human rights abuses and democratic backsliding, Museveni continues to enjoy strategic support from Western governments, particularly for Uganda’s role in regional security operations and its hosting of large refugee populations. Domestically, he campaigned on stability and economic continuity, with oil production expected to boost growth later this year.
Attention is now turning to succession, with speculation persisting that Museveni favours his son, army chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba, despite repeated denials. Museveni has dismissed calls to step aside, arguing that his experience remains vital to the country’s future.
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