Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has secured a seventh term in office following a tightly controlled presidential election, extending his rule of the East African nation to four decades. Official results released by the Electoral Commission on Saturday showed the 81-year-old leader winning 71.65 percent of the vote in Thursday’s poll.
The election was conducted amid widespread security operations, reports of violence, and a nationwide internet shutdown that restricted access to social media and online communication platforms. African election observers said the atmosphere was tense, with arrests, abductions, and intimidation creating fear among opposition supporters and civil society groups.
At least 10 people were reported dead during election-related incidents, according to local and international reports, further raising concerns about the credibility of the process. Heavy security deployment was visible across the capital, Kampala, as authorities moved to prevent protests similar to those recently witnessed in neighbouring Kenya and Tanzania.
Museveni’s closest challenger, opposition leader Bobi Wine, received 24.72 percent of the vote. The 43-year-old former musician-turned-politician rejected the outcome, describing the results as fraudulent. He said he went into hiding after security forces raided his home late Friday night.
In a statement posted on X, Wine said he narrowly escaped arrest and accused security agents of placing his wife and other family members under house arrest. He maintained that he was being hunted and was taking steps to remain safe.
Wine has faced sustained pressure since entering politics, including repeated arrests and harassment, particularly during and after his first presidential run in 2021. His supporters say the latest developments reflect a shrinking space for political opposition in the country.
Museveni’s latest victory reinforces his position among Africa’s longest-serving leaders, alongside figures such as Equatorial Guinea’s Teodoro Obiang and Cameroon’s Paul Biya. His continued hold on power has renewed debate about leadership longevity, democratic succession, and political reform across the continent.
