Museveni Secures Another Term in Uganda Amidst Claims of Fraud and Tensions
Kampala, Uganda – Veteran President Yoweri Museveni has been declared the winner of Uganda's presidential election, extending his rule into a fifth decade. The announcement, made on Saturday, follows a campaign marred by violent incidents and allegations of widespread fraud.
The electoral commission announced in Kampala that Museveni secured just under 72% of the vote, handing the 81-year-old leader a decisive victory that bolsters his political standing amidst growing speculation about his eventual succession. His main rival, pop star-turned-politician Bobi Wine, was credited with 24% of the vote.
Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi, has alleged mass fraud during the election. The election was held under an internet blackout that the authorities claimed was necessary to prevent the spread of "misinformation." Wine has called on his supporters to protest the results.
On Saturday, Wine's whereabouts were initially unknown after he reported a military raid on his residence. "Last night was very difficult at our home … The military and the police raided us. They switched off power and cut off some of our CCTV cameras," Wine stated in a post on X. "I want to confirm I managed to escape from them. Currently, I am not at home."
He further added that his wife and other family members were under house arrest, although Reuters was unable to immediately verify these claims.
Museveni's win comes as little surprise to observers. Since seizing power in 1986 at the head of a rebellion, he has twice altered the constitution to eliminate age and term limits, consolidating his control over state institutions. In the previous election in 2021, Museveni defeated Wine with 58% of the vote, an election the United States deemed neither free nor fair.
Throughout the recent campaign, Wine's rallies were frequently disrupted by security forces employing tear gas and bullets. The violence resulted in at least one fatality, and hundreds of opposition supporters were arrested.
In the hours following the closure of polls, a significant violent incident was reported. Police stated that seven people were killed and three injured in central Uganda when officers fired in self-defence against opposition "goons" allegedly organised by local MP Muwanga Kivumbi. Kivumbi disputed this account, claiming that ten people were killed by security forces inside his house.
Despite concerns about his human rights record, Museveni has garnered appreciation from Western powers for deploying troops to regional hotspots such as Somalia and for accommodating millions of refugees. Many Ugandans also value the relative stability that has characterised his tenure, and he campaigned on a platform of "protecting the gains." With crude oil production expected to commence this year, economic growth is projected to surge into double digits.
However, speculation regarding Museveni's succession plans continues to intensify. Museveni is widely believed to favour his son, military chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba, as his successor, although he has denied intentionally grooming his son for the role.
In a recent interview with Sky News, Museveni dismissed the notion of stepping 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?" he stated.
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