Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, 81, has secured a sixth term, extending his uninterrupted 40-year rule over Uganda.
The electoral commission has announced that Museveni won 72% of Thursday’s vote, while his main challenger, singer-turned-politician Bobi Wine, received 25%.
Wine, 43, leader of the National Unity Platform, rejected the results as fraudulent, citing military intimidation, ballot tampering, and restrictions on his campaign.
He has called for an independent audit and international non-recognition of the outcome.
The African Union noted “uneven” conditions and excessive use of force during the campaign but did not confirm ballot stuffing.
An EU observation mission was unable to deploy due to accreditation issues. The election took place amid an internet shutdown and strict lockdown measures, which hampered independent verification.
Museveni, who came to power in 1986, is one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders.
Wine mobilized younger voters with calls for change but faced arrests, disrupted rallies, and intimidation of aides.
Regional allies have congratulated Museveni, while Western donors are watching closely. The focus now turns to whether opposition protests will continue and how the government will respond. The election underscores deep generational and political divides in Uganda.
