What is the story about?
Veteran President Yoweri Museveni has been declared the decisive winner of Uganda’s presidential election, securing a fifth consecutive term amid a campaign marked by violence and allegations of fraud. The 81-year-old leader’s victory reinforces his political dominance as speculation grows over his eventual succession.
The Electoral Commission in Kampala announced on Saturday that Museveni received just under 72% of the vote, while his main challenger, pop singer-turned-politician Bobi Wine, garnered 24%. Wine has alleged widespread fraud and called on his supporters to protest.
Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi, said he escaped a military raid on his home and was currently at large. “Last night was very difficult at our home … The military and the police raided us. They switched off power and cut some of our CCTV cameras,” he posted on X. He added that his wife and other family members remained under house arrest, though Reuters could not independently verify this.
One major violent incident occurred shortly after polls closed, with police reporting seven people killed and three injured in central Uganda after officers said they fired in self-defence against opposition “goons” organised by local MP Muwanga Kivumbi. Kivumbi disputed the account, claiming that 10 people had been killed by security forces inside his house.
Despite fears of large-scale post-election violence similar to that seen in neighbouring Tanzania last October, Uganda appeared to avoid mass unrest.
Museveni has been in power since 1986, initially rising to leadership through a rebellion. Over the years, he has amended the constitution twice to remove age and term limits, consolidating control over state institutions. He defeated Wine with 58% of the vote in 2021, a result the United States criticised as neither free nor fair.
During the recent campaign, Wine’s rallies were frequently disrupted by security forces using tear gas and bullets. At least one person was killed, and hundreds of opposition supporters were arrested.
Despite concerns over human rights abuses, Museveni has earned praise from Western powers for sending troops to regional conflicts such as Somalia and hosting millions of refugees. Many Ugandans credit him with maintaining relative stability and campaigned on the promise of “protecting the gains.” The country’s economy is projected to grow sharply once crude oil production begins.
Questions about Museveni’s succession continue to dominate political discourse. He is widely believed to favour his son, military chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba, as his successor, though he denies grooming him for the role. In a recent interview with Sky News, Museveni dismissed calls to step aside:
"If I am available, not dead, not senile, but I'm still around and I have some knowledge – if you are really serious about your country – why would you not want to take advantage of me?"
Election results announced
The Electoral Commission in Kampala announced on Saturday that Museveni received just under 72% of the vote, while his main challenger, pop singer-turned-politician Bobi Wine, garnered 24%. Wine has alleged widespread fraud and called on his supporters to protest.
Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi, said he escaped a military raid on his home and was currently at large. “Last night was very difficult at our home … The military and the police raided us. They switched off power and cut some of our CCTV cameras,” he posted on X. He added that his wife and other family members remained under house arrest, though Reuters could not independently verify this.
Violence reported during polls
One major violent incident occurred shortly after polls closed, with police reporting seven people killed and three injured in central Uganda after officers said they fired in self-defence against opposition “goons” organised by local MP Muwanga Kivumbi. Kivumbi disputed the account, claiming that 10 people had been killed by security forces inside his house.
Despite fears of large-scale post-election violence similar to that seen in neighbouring Tanzania last October, Uganda appeared to avoid mass unrest.
Museveni’s enduring rule
Museveni has been in power since 1986, initially rising to leadership through a rebellion. Over the years, he has amended the constitution twice to remove age and term limits, consolidating control over state institutions. He defeated Wine with 58% of the vote in 2021, a result the United States criticised as neither free nor fair.
During the recent campaign, Wine’s rallies were frequently disrupted by security forces using tear gas and bullets. At least one person was killed, and hundreds of opposition supporters were arrested.
Support and criticism
Despite concerns over human rights abuses, Museveni has earned praise from Western powers for sending troops to regional conflicts such as Somalia and hosting millions of refugees. Many Ugandans credit him with maintaining relative stability and campaigned on the promise of “protecting the gains.” The country’s economy is projected to grow sharply once crude oil production begins.
Succession speculation
Questions about Museveni’s succession continue to dominate political discourse. He is widely believed to favour his son, military chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba, as his successor, though he denies grooming him for the role. In a recent interview with Sky News, Museveni dismissed calls to step aside:
"If I am available, not dead, not senile, but I'm still around and I have some knowledge – if you are really serious about your country – why would you not want to take advantage of me?"
