Uganda’s Museveni Secures Seventh Term as Bobi Wine Rejects Election Results

Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni has won a seventh term in office, extending his nearly 40-year rule, according to official election results released on Saturday.

Museveni secured 71.65% of the vote in a poll held amid reports of violence, intimidation, and an internet shutdown.

His main challenger, opposition leader Bobi Wine, received 24.72% of the vote but rejected what he called “fake results.” Wine said he was hiding after security forces raided his home, leaving his family under house arrest. Authorities denied conducting a raid, saying they were restricting access for security reasons.

African election observers reported no evidence of ballot stuffing but criticized arrests, abductions, and intimidation of opposition figures and civil society, saying these actions instilled fear and undermined public trust.

The failure of biometric voter identification machines, particularly in opposition strongholds, is expected to form the basis of legal challenges.

Heavy security was deployed across the capital, Kampala, to prevent protests. Museveni’s ruling party also appeared to dominate parliamentary races.

Analysts said the outcome was widely expected, given Museveni’s firm control over state institutions and the security apparatus, while reports of election-related violence further marred the vote.