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Museveni secures sixth term with 72% of vote
Uganda's election commission declared President Yoweri Museveni the winner of Thursday's presidential election, extending his 39-year rule by another five years. Museveni received 72% of the vote, while his main rival, Bobi Wine, garnered 25%, according to official results.
Opposition cries foul, calls for peaceful protests
Wine, a 43-year-old former pop star turned politician, rejected the results as "fake" and accused authorities of "ballot stuffing." He provided no evidence for his claims but urged supporters to protest peacefully. The African Union's election observers reported no signs of ballot tampering, though they criticized the government's internet shutdown and reports of intimidation.
Violence and internet blackout mar election
The election was overshadowed by violence, with Wine alleging at least 21 deaths nationwide in recent days. Authorities confirmed seven fatalities. Internet access has been blocked since Tuesday, with officials citing the need to prevent misinformation and unrest. The UN human rights office condemned the shutdown as "deeply worrying," while Wine demanded its immediate restoration.
Opposition leader claims abduction attempt
Wine's party reported he was abducted from his Kampala home overnight, a claim police denied. In a Facebook statement, Wine later said he evaded a security raid and was in hiding. Police spokesman Kituuma Rusoke stated Wine's movements were restricted due to his residence being a "security hotspot," adding that gatherings there could "cause chaos."
Campaign promises and voter turnout
Wine, who represents Uganda's youthful majority, campaigned on anti-corruption and reform pledges. Museveni, 81, positioned himself as the sole guarantor of stability in a country with a history of conflict. Six other candidates ran but received less than 2% of the vote each. Turnout stood at 52.5%.
Security forces accused of suppressing opposition
The campaign period saw repeated disruptions of opposition events, with Wine's supporters alleging assaults and detentions by security forces. Police dismissed the complaints, accusing opposition backers of provoking unrest.
"Reports of intimidation, arrest, and abductions instilled fear and eroded public trust in the electoral process," said Nigeria's former President Goodluck Jonathan, leading the African Union observer mission.
AFP
