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Supporters of Uganda’s incumbent President Yoweri Museveni dance in celebration throughout a celebration gathering for the announcement of ultimate outcomes for the 2026 Ugandan presidential election at Lugogo Grounds in Kampala on Jan. 17, 2026.
Luis TATO/AFP by way of Getty Photos
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Luis TATO/AFP by way of Getty Photos
LAGOS, Nigeria — Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni has been declared the winner of presidential elections, extending his four-decade grip on energy.
The vote occurred below a government-imposed web blackout and was marred by experiences of lethal violence and widespread intimidation.
The primary opposition candidate, Bobi Wine, condemned the polls and mentioned he was in hiding after police raided his residence.
On Saturday, after a 48-hour wait following the election, Uganda’s Electoral Fee chairman introduced that Museveni had gained, securing his seventh time period since first coming to energy in 1986.
Museveni gained with 71.65% of the vote, totaling 7,944,772 votes, whereas Robert Kyagulanyi, also called Bobi Wine, of the opposition Nationwide Unity Platform acquired 24.7%, or 2,741,238 votes.
Simon Byabakama, head of Uganda’s Electoral Fee, made the announcement.
“Having obtained the very best variety of votes within the election, and with votes forged in his favor exceeding 50 % of the legitimate votes, the fee hereby declares the elected President: Tibuhaburwa Kaguta Museveni.”
Museveni, 81, considered one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders, has now secured an unprecedented seventh time period. The election has been broadly condemned by rights teams, citing the web shutdown, election violence, restrictions on opposition campaigning, and the barring of a number of worldwide election observers.
Wine, 43, mentioned police stormed his residence late Friday night. In a submit on X, he mentioned he had managed to flee and accused authorities of fabricating the outcomes.
“At present, I’m not at residence, though my spouse and different relations stay below home arrest,” he wrote. “I do know that these criminals are searching for me in all places, and I’m attempting my greatest to maintain secure.”
Uganda opposition presidential candidate Bobi Wine, arrives together with his spouse to forged their votes, on election day in Kampala. on Jan. 15, 2026.
Brian Inganga/AP
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Brian Inganga/AP
Wine additionally claimed dozens of supporters from his get together have been killed by police, together with a minimum of 10 who have been monitoring the vote rely. Police disputed the declare, saying seven individuals have been killed after attacking a police station.
Addressing the media Saturday, in Kampala, the pinnacle of the East African Neighborhood Observers Mission Edda Makabagwiza additionally expressed concern.
“The Uganda communication fee issued a directive to droop public web entry which had a direct affect on the compilation and evaluation of area experiences from our observers.”
Uganda has one of many youngest populations on the earth. An awesome majority of its 50 million persons are below age 40 and have solely ever identified one president.
Based on a journalist in Kampala who spoke to NPR on situation of anonymity for concern of reprisals, there’s a heavy navy presence within the capital. In some areas, safety officers have been seen forcing store house owners to shut, and the streets are largely abandoned, with many residents staying indoors amid uncertainty over what comes subsequent.
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