President Museveni Wins Re-Election in Uganda Amid Tensions and Observer’s Concerns

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has secured a seventh term in office following a presidential election conducted amid a widespread internet blackout and reports of violence and intimidation.

Official results announced Saturday gave Museveni 71.65 percent of the vote, extending his 40-year rule. His main challenger, former singer Bobi Wine, won 24.72 percent and has declared his “complete rejection of the fake results.”

In a post on social media Saturday, Wine stated that he was not at home after escaping what he described as a police raid the night before, and that his family remained under house arrest. Uganda’s police denied raiding his residence, saying they had only restricted access to areas they considered security risks.

African election observers, led by former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, said there was no evidence of ballot-stuffing, but criticized the climate of fear surrounding the poll. They condemned “reports of intimidation, arrest, and abductions” targeting the opposition and said the internet shutdown disrupted observation and increased public suspicion.

A heavy security presence was reported in the capital, Kampala, as authorities sought to prevent potential protests.

Museveni’s government retains full control over the state and security forces, and critics have long argued that elections in Uganda are largely a formality. Reports of election-related violence persist, with opposition figures alleging casualties among their supporters, while police have provided contrasting accounts of the incidents.