Kampala, Uganda — President Yoweri Museveni has been declared the winner of Uganda’s presidential election, extending his leadership after what authorities described as a transparent and fairly conducted vote. The announcement confirms a decisive mandate that allows the veteran leader to continue governing the East African nation.
According to the Electoral Commission, Museveni secured 72 percent of the vote, comfortably ahead of his closest challenger Bobi Wine, who received 25 percent. Officials said the process reflected the will of voters and met national electoral standards, reinforcing the legitimacy of the outcome.
Museveni, now 81, first assumed power in 1986 after a guerrilla war and has since dominated Uganda’s political landscape. This latest victory extends his tenure by another five years, marking more than four decades at the helm of the country’s government.
While opposition figures questioned aspects of the vote, no verified evidence was presented to overturn the official tally. Security agencies maintained that electoral procedures were followed and that safeguards were in place to protect the integrity of the ballot across the country.
Tensions did rise during and after polling, with reports of isolated violence in some areas. Authorities confirmed several fatalities but said security forces acted to prevent wider unrest. In response to fears of misinformation and incitement, the government temporarily restricted internet access, a move it said was aimed at maintaining public order.
Wine, a former pop star turned politician, urged his supporters to pursue non-violent means as he pressed for reforms. Police officials stated that certain security measures around his residence in Kampala were precautionary and intended to prevent disorder.
Throughout the campaign, Museveni positioned himself as a guarantor of stability, citing Uganda’s turbulent past and regional security challenges. He pledged to continue focusing on economic growth, infrastructure development, and national unity, themes that resonated with many voters, especially in rural areas.
With voter turnout recorded at 52.5 percent and no other candidate exceeding two percent of the vote, the results underline Museveni’s continued dominance in Ugandan politics. The government has called on citizens to move forward together, emphasizing reconciliation and peaceful political engagement following the election.
