Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni secured a seventh term in office on Saturday, following an election marred by violence, a nationwide internet shutdown, and widespread reports of intimidation. African observers said the political climate had been heavily influenced by arrests and abductions, which they claimed had “instilled fear” among voters.
Museveni, 81, received 71.65% of the vote in Thursday’s election, according to the Electoral Commission, despite reports of at least 10 deaths and numerous incidents of opposition and civil society intimidation.
The victory extends Museveni’s four-decade rule over Uganda, a nation he has controlled since seizing power in 1986. His main challenger, Bobi Wine, 43, a former musician-turned-politician, garnered 24.72% of the vote. Wine, who has been a vocal critic of Museveni’s regime, was reported to be in hiding on Saturday after security forces raided his home.
Wine, who previously ran for president in 2021, has faced unrelenting pressure throughout his political career, including multiple arrests. He strongly rejected the election results, calling them “fake,” and posted on X (formerly Twitter) that he had managed to escape the raid, though his wife and other family members were under house arrest.
“I am currently not at home, though I am trying my best to stay safe,” Wine wrote. “I know that they are searching for me everywhere.”
Heavy security, fear among locals
AFP journalists observed a heavy police presence in Kampala, Uganda’s capital, as authorities sought to prevent protests similar to those that have rocked neighboring Kenya and Tanzania in recent months. Police denied raiding Wine’s home, though they acknowledged controlling access in areas deemed “security hotspots,” claiming they believed the opposition leader was still inside.
Security forces reportedly used drones and helicopters during the raid, which left the area near Wine’s residence tense and deserted. A local stall-owner, Prince Jerard, 29, described the scene, saying, “Many people have left. We have a lot of fear.”
Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi, has become a prominent figure in Ugandan politics, presenting himself as the “ghetto president” due to his roots in Kampala’s slum areas. He has accused the government of “massive ballot stuffing” and harassment of his party members, particularly during the internet blackout imposed just ahead of the election. The blackout continued on Saturday, hindering communication and raising suspicions.
Observers condemn intimidation and restrictions
African election observers acknowledged the absence of clear evidence of ballot stuffing but condemned the widespread reports of intimidation, arrests, and abductions of opposition supporters and civil society members. Former Nigerian president Goodluck Jonathan, representing the African Union and regional bodies COMESA and IGAD, said the actions had “instilled fear and eroded public trust in the electoral process.”
Jonathan also criticized the internet shutdown, noting it “disrupted effective observation” and fueled further suspicion. Despite these concerns, he described election day as “peaceful” overall.
Parliamentary results and ongoing violence
Preliminary results indicate that Museveni’s National Resistance Movement (NRM) party is also leading in the race for parliamentary seats, although final counts are still ongoing. Analysts had widely expected Museveni’s victory, given his tight grip on the state apparatus and security forces.
Opposition figures have long accused Museveni of using state resources to crush dissent. Kizza Besigye, the long-time rival and four-time presidential contender, was abducted in Kenya in 2024 and brought back to Uganda for a treason trial, which remains ongoing.
Reports of election-related violence also continue to emerge. Muwanga Kivumbi, a member of parliament from Wine’s party, claimed that security forces killed 10 of his campaign agents after raiding his home. Police, however, offered a different account, stating that an unspecified number of people were “put out of action” when opposition members allegedly planned to attack a local tally centre and police station.
AFP
