Museveni Wins Seventh Term After Tense Uganda Vote

Electoral Control Under Pressure

President Yoweri Museveni’s re-election to a seventh term has confirmed his prolonged incumbency amid extensive security control. The Electoral Commission announced on Saturday that Museveni, 81, secured 71.65 percent of the vote, defeating opposition leader Bobi Wine, who received 24.72 percent. Museveni has ruled Uganda since 1986, making him one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders, and had stated ahead of the vote that he expected to win about 80 percent support.

Voting unfolded amid a nationwide internet shutdown imposed 48 hours before the election, a move that drew sharp criticism from rights groups and opposition parties. The government also ordered several civil society and rights organizations to halt operations during the vote, further constraining election monitoring and information flow.

United Nations described the process, saying it was marked by “widespread repression and intimidation,” raising questions over political competition and institutional independence. UN Human Rights called Uganda’s pre-election internet restrictions and the suspension of the NGOs “deeply worrying,” warning that open access to communication and information is essential to free and genuine elections. It further stressed that all Ugandans must be able to participate fully in shaping their future and the future of their country.

“Security Interest” and Movement Control

Former pop star and major contender Bobi Wine has also claimed on Election Day that “massive ballot stuffing” had occurred across the country. In the hours following the vote, his party alleged that he had been abducted from his home in Kampala, a claim denied by police.

Police spokesman Kituuma Rusoke said Wine’s movements were restricted because his home was considered a “security interest.” “We have controlled access to areas which are security hotspots,” Uganda’s Daily Monitor quoted him as saying, adding that authorities could not allow gatherings that might “cause chaos.”

Wine later said he had escaped a night-time raid by security forces and was in hiding. On a statement he posted on his X account, Wine claimed he completely rejects the election results, while condemning what he termed as “blatant theft” and widespread “crime” committed by the government on a repressive election environment.

Youth Politics Versus Incumbent Power

Wine has positioned himself as a voice for Uganda’s younger population, in a country where most citizens are under 30. His challenge marked the most visible generational test to Museveni’s rule, but it unfolded amid arrests of opposition supporters and restrictions on rallies. Wine stated that his wife and family members remained under house arrest even after he evaded security forces. Despite those concerns, the commission moved ahead with announcing final tallies as scheduled on Saturday.

Museveni’s victory, while widely expected, consolidates nearly four decades of uninterrupted power and reinforces a political model that relies heavily on security management during electoral cycles.

While voting itself passed peacefully on Thursday, overnight violence in Butambala, about 55 km southwest of Kampala, left at least seven people dead, according to police. Opposition figures disputed that account, alleging a higher death toll and accusing security forces of removing evidence.