Kigali, Rwanda – Uganda’s long-serving president, Yoweri Museveni, has been declared the winner of the country’s latest presidential election, extending his rule that began in 1986 and reinforcing his position as one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders.
The announcement, made on Saturday by Electoral Commission chairperson Simon Byabakama Mugenyi, followed the completion of the final tally from more than 50,000 polling stations across the country.
According to official results, Museveni secured 7,946,772 votes, representing 71.65 percent of the total ballots cast. His closest challenger, opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, came second with 2,741,238 votes amounting to 24.72 percent.
Voter turnout stood at 52.5 percent, with more than 11.3 million votes cast from a registered electorate of 21.6 million. Museveni maintained a commanding lead throughout the counting process, which began shortly after polls closed on Thursday.
The election took place under heavy security and an internet blackout that drew criticism from opposition figures and some international observers.
Museveni, who leads the ruling National Resistance Movement, had earlier told reporters after casting his ballot that he expected to win with up to 80 percent of the vote “if there’s no cheating.”
His victory delivers him a seventh term in office, further extending a presidency that has shaped Uganda’s political landscape for four decades.
Kyagulanyi rejected the outcome, claiming the vote had been manipulated. His National Unity Platform party reported that security forces had surrounded his home in Kampala, effectively placing him under house arrest during the counting period.
Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke said Kyagulanyi was “a person of interest” and insisted the security presence was for his protection, while also stating that police were not aware of an official house arrest order.
Journalists attempting to access the opposition leader’s residence were reportedly blocked by security personnel.
As results trickled in, reports of violence emerged, particularly from Butambala, about 55 kilometres southwest of Kampala, where opposition supporters had gathered to follow early tallies.
Violence, security, and a charged political climate
Human rights activists and opposition leaders said soldiers and police fired tear gas and live bullets at crowds, killing several people.
Agather Atuhaire, a prominent human rights activist, confirmed reports that at least ten opposition supporters were killed at the home of opposition MP Muwanga Kivumbi though atleast seven deaths were acknowledged by authorities.
Police disputed this account, saying officers fired in self-defence after a group described as “NUP goons” attacked a police station while armed with machetes, axes, and boxes of matches.
The United Nations human rights office had warned ahead of the vote that the election was unfolding in an environment of “widespread repression and intimidation.”
During the campaign, Kyagulanyi’s rallies were repeatedly disrupted by security forces, with arrests reported and at least one fatality confirmed by authorities, who said they were responding to lawless behaviour.
Polling day itself was marred by delays, with some stations opening hours late due to what officials described as technical challenges.
Ironies, Parliament, and what comes next
Beyond the presidential race, the parliamentary elections produced outcomes that highlighted the contradictions of Uganda’s political moment.
In a striking irony, opposition candidate Alex Waiswa Mufumbiro reportedly won his parliamentary seat while in prison, a result that underscored the deep tensions between electoral outcomes and the broader political environment.
For supporters of Museveni, the results signal continuity, stability, and experience at a time of regional uncertainty in East Africa.
For the opposition, the election has reinforced concerns about political freedoms, the conduct of security forces, and the prospects for democratic change.
