By TESFA-ALEM TEKLE
Uganda’s electoral commission on Saturday declared President Yoweri Museveni the winner of the country’s presidential election, extending his rule to a seventh term after a vote conducted under an internet shutdown and marred by allegations of violence and intimidation.
Electoral Commission chairman Simon Byabakama said Museveni won 71.65% of the vote, or 7,944,772 ballots, while the main opposition candidate, Robert Kyagulanyi, known as Bobi Wine, secured 24.7%, or 2,741,238 votes.
“Having obtained the highest number of votes in the election, and with votes cast in his favour exceeding 50% of the valid votes, the commission hereby declares the elected president: Tibuhaburwa Kaguta Museveni,” Byabakama said.
The vote took place during a government-imposed internet blackout, with authorities restricting access to social media and messaging platforms.
Rights groups said the shutdown hampered election observation and limited access to information.
Bobi Wine, leader of the opposition National Unity Platform, rejected the results, describing the election as neither free nor fair.
He said he was in hiding after security forces raided his home, an allegation authorities have not publicly commented on.
The election was marked by reports of deadly violence, arrests of opposition supporters, and restrictions on opposition campaigning, particularly in urban areas.
Several international election observers were barred from monitoring the polls, according to rights organisations.
Museveni, 81, first came to power in 1986 after a guerrilla war and is one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders.
His government has repeatedly rejected accusations of electoral misconduct, insisting the vote reflected the will of the Ugandan people.
The result is expected to prompt renewed criticism from international partners and civil society groups over Uganda’s democratic record and political freedoms.
