Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has secured a seventh term in office, winning 71.65% of the vote, according to official results released Saturday. Museveni defeated his youthful challenger, musician-turned-politician Bobi Wine, who campaigned for change after four decades of Museveni’s rule.
Bobi Wine, whose real name is Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, received 24.72% of the votes. Wine is expected to reject the official outcome, denouncing the election as unfair and alleging an internet blackout, heavy military presence, and the abduction of his polling agents. On Friday, he dismissed provisional results as “fake.”
The election was also marred by technical issues with biometric voter identification machines, which failed in several urban areas, including opposition strongholds like the capital Kampala. Voting had to proceed using manual voter registers, a move critics say could fuel legal challenges against the official results.
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Museveni, 81, has maintained power over the years by amending the constitution to remove term and age limits, and by sidelining or jailing potential rivals. Observers say the opposition was fragmented, giving Museveni a decisive advantage, while he retained strong control over his party and the armed forces.
Security forces were heavily deployed during the campaign. Wine said he faced constant surveillance and harassment, including the use of tear gas against his supporters, and often campaigned wearing a flak jacket and helmet for protection.
Reports emerged on Friday that Wine had been detained by the military, but police clarified on Saturday that he was not under arrest, though access to his residence was “controlled” to prevent potential unrest.
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Uganda has not seen a peaceful transfer of presidential power since independence six decades ago. Veteran opposition leader Kizza Besigye, a four-time presidential candidate, remains in prison on treason charges filed in February 2025.
This election highlights the enduring dominance of Museveni, whose long tenure continues to raise concerns about democratic governance and political freedom in Uganda.