Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni Declared Winner of Seventh Term as Opposition Rejects Election Results

Electoral commission announces Museveni’s victory amid internet blackout, technical voting issues, and opposition allegations of fraud and intimidation.

By:Haitian Prime News|January 17, 2026|Kampala, Uganda

Uganda’s Electoral Commission on Saturday announced President Yoweri Museveni as the winner of the country’s presidential election, granting him 71.65 percent of the vote and securing another five-year term in office. The outcome extends Museveni’s rule beyond four decades, reinforcing his position as one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders.

The election took place under heightened tension, including a pre-election internet blackout and reported technical failures involving biometric voter identification machines. According to opposition officials, the malfunctions forced polling staff in some locations to rely on manual voter registers, prompting concerns over the credibility of the process.

The National Unity Platform, Uganda’s main opposition party, rejected the official results and alleged widespread irregularities, including voter fraud, arrests, and abductions. Its leader, Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, widely known as Bobi Wine, received 24.72 percent of the vote. He publicly dismissed the outcome as illegitimate and urged supporters to pursue peaceful forms of protest.

Bobi Wine stated that security forces conducted or attempted a raid at his residence prior to the official announcement of results. Police spokesman Kituma Rusoke responded by saying authorities had not formally denied access to the opposition leader but emphasized that security measures were intended to prevent gatherings that could incite violence.

African election observers reported arrests and alleged abductions linked to the electoral period, contributing to a climate of fear in parts of the country. Reports of casualties varied, with no unified death toll confirmed at the time of reporting.

Museveni’s continued rule has been enabled by constitutional amendments that removed presidential term limits and age restrictions. These changes have fueled public debate and speculation over a possible succession involving his son, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, a senior military figure.

The United Nations human rights office has raised concerns about the internet shutdown and broader restrictions imposed during the election period, calling for respect for civil liberties and political freedoms as Uganda moves forward following the vote.

Sources
Ground News – Aggregated reporting and election summary
Uganda Electoral Commission statements
African election observer reports
United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights