Museveni Wins Seventh Term as Uganda Election Marred by Violence and Internet Blackout

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni secured a seventh term on Saturday, extending his 40-year rule, in an election overshadowed by violence, intimidation, and an internet shutdown.

The Electoral Commission reported that Museveni, 81, won 71.65% of the vote, defeating opposition leader Bobi Wine (Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu), 43, who garnered 24.72%.

Wine, a former singer-turned-politician, said he escaped a police raid on his home on Friday and was in hiding. He claimed that his wife and other family members remained under house arrest.

“I want to confirm that I managed to escape from them. Currently, I am not at home, although my wife and other family members remain under house arrest. I know that these criminals are looking for me everywhere, and I am trying my best to keep safe,” Wine posted on X.

Security forces maintained a heavy presence in Kampala, with police and army personnel patrolling the streets to prevent protests similar to those in Kenya and Tanzania in recent months. Police denied raiding Wine’s home, saying they were controlling access in security hotspots.

Observers from the African Union, COMESA, and IGAD, represented by former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, criticized the intimidation, arrests, and abductions targeting the opposition, which they said “instilled fear and eroded public trust in the electoral process.”

While the observers found no evidence of ballot-stuffing, they noted that the internet blackout disrupted effective observation and increased suspicion. They described the overall conduct on election day as peaceful.

Reports emerged of violence against opposition supporters, with some claiming security forces killed at least 10 campaign agents. Police countered that an “unspecified number” were neutralized after allegedly attempting to overrun and burn a tally centre and police station.

Museveni’s National Resistance Movement also maintained a commanding lead in parliamentary seats, according to provisional results. Analysts have long considered Ugandan elections largely a formality, given Museveni’s control over the state and security apparatus and his track record of crushing challengers.