President Yoweri Museveni has been declared the winner of Uganda’s presidential election, extending his rule to more than four decades, according to BBC News.
The 81-year-old leader secured 72 percent of the vote, the country’s election commission announced, defeating his closest challenger, opposition figure Bobi Wine, who garnered 25 percent. Museveni’s victory extends his time in office by another five years, having first come to power as a rebel leader in 1986.
However, Bobi Wine has strongly rejected the outcome, describing the results as “fake” and accusing authorities of ballot stuffing. While he has not presented evidence to support his claims, Wine has called on Ugandans to engage in non-violent protests. The government has yet to formally respond to the allegations.
According to BBC News, the election period was marred by violence. Wine, a 43-year-old former pop star, claimed that at least 21 people had been killed across the country in the days surrounding the vote. Authorities, however, have confirmed seven deaths so far.
The situation has been further complicated by an internet blackout imposed nationwide since Tuesday, making independent verification of events difficult. Ugandan authorities said the shutdown was necessary to prevent misinformation, electoral fraud and incitement to violence. The move has been criticised by the United Nations human rights office, which described it as “deeply worrying.” Wine has demanded that internet access be restored.
Tensions escalated overnight when Wine’s party claimed he had been abducted from his home in Kampala, an allegation later denied by the police. Wine subsequently posted on Facebook, stating that he had evaded a night-time raid by security forces and had gone into hiding. He had earlier said he was under house arrest.
Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke said Wine’s movements were restricted because his residence was located in an area of “security interest,” adding that access to certain locations had been controlled to prevent unrest.
Wine has positioned himself as the voice of Uganda’s youth in a country where the majority of the population is under 30 years old. During the campaign, he promised sweeping reforms and anti-corruption measures, while Museveni argued that his leadership was essential to maintaining stability in a nation with a history of conflict.
Six other candidates contested the election, but none secured more than 2 percent of the vote. Voter turnout was reported at 52.5 percent. The campaign period was also marked by accusations of opposition suppression, with security forces alleged to have assaulted and detained Wine’s supporters, claims the police have dismissed.
