Museveni Wins Another Term in Uganda

At 81, Museveni has now extended his grip on power to nearly 45 years
Uganda has also experienced an internet shutdown since Tuesday
Government officials defended the blackout as a preventive measure against misinformation

Uganda’s long-serving leader, President Yoweri Museveni, has secured another term in office following the conclusion of Thursday’s presidential election, according to official results released by the country’s electoral body.

Eko Hot Blog gathered that the commission announced that Museveni polled 72 per cent of the votes cast, comfortably ahead of his main rival, opposition figure Bobi Wine, who garnered 25 per cent.

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Wine has rejected the outcome, describing the figures as fabricated and alleging widespread ballot manipulation, claims the authorities have yet to address.

In reaction to the announcement, Wine urged Ugandans to stage peaceful demonstrations, insisting that the will of the people had been subverted. He, however, did not present evidence to support his allegations.

Museveni Wins Another Term in Uganda

At 81, Museveni has now extended his grip on power to nearly 45 years. He first took office in 1986 after leading a rebel movement and has since prevailed in seven successive elections.

The electoral process was overshadowed by reports of violence in several parts of the country. Wine, a former pop musician turned politician, claimed that at least 21 people were killed in election-related incidents in recent days, while authorities have acknowledged seven deaths so far.

Uganda has also experienced an internet shutdown since Tuesday, complicating efforts to independently verify developments.

Government officials defended the blackout as a preventive measure against misinformation and unrest, a move sharply criticised by the United Nations human rights office as “deeply worrying.” Wine has repeatedly demanded that online access be restored.

Museveni Wins Another Term in Uganda

Tensions heightened overnight after Wine’s party alleged that security forces attempted to arrest him at his residence in Kampala, a claim police denied. Wine later said he evaded the operation and had gone into hiding, having earlier stated that he was under house arrest.

Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke said Wine’s movements were restricted due to security concerns in the area, explaining that access controls were imposed to prevent gatherings that could trigger disorder.

Wine has built his political appeal around Uganda’s youthful population, with the majority of citizens under the age of 30.

Museveni Wins Another Term in Uganda

His campaign centred on anti-corruption measures and broad political reforms, while Museveni maintained that his leadership remains essential for national stability in a country shaped by decades of conflict.

Six other candidates participated in the race, none of whom secured more than two per cent of the vote. Voter turnout was officially placed at 52.5 per cent.

The campaign season itself was marked by frequent clashes, with opposition groups accusing security agencies of harassing and detaining their supporters. Police authorities have dismissed those claims, countering that opposition activities often provoked disruptions.

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