KAMPALA, Uganda — President Yoweri Museveni has interpreted his decisive electoral triumph as a resounding affirmation of his National Resistance Movement’s enduring dominance in Ugandan politics. Addressing the nation from his western residence on Sunday, the veteran leader characterized the opposition as fortunate to have witnessed only a fraction of his party’s true political strength.
The official results indicate Museveni secured 71.6% of votes, extending his four-decade rule with a seventh term that positions him to approach nearly fifty years in power. His principal challenger, musician-turned-politician Bobi Wine (legally named Kyagulanyi Ssentamu), garnered 24.7% but immediately dismissed the outcome as fraudulent.
This electoral process unfolded against a backdrop of notably diminished public participation, with voter turnout plummeting to 52%—the lowest since Uganda reintroduced multiparty politics in 2006. Museveni speculated that many absent voters belonged to his own party, suggesting their absence reflected confidence rather than apathy.
The election was marred by significant operational challenges, including a nationwide internet blackout and widespread malfunctions of biometric verification systems that delayed polling in critical areas including the capital. Wine’s campaign additionally alleges systematic ballot stuffing in Museveni’s strongholds.
Security forces maintained an overwhelming presence throughout the electoral period, with opposition figures reporting persistent harassment and violent suppression. Wine frequently campaigned wearing protective gear due to safety concerns. Museveni accused opposition elements of terrorism and treason, referencing an incident in Butambala where police killed seven supporters of a parliamentary candidate affiliated with Wine’s party.
The constitutional pathway for challenging results remains theoretically open, though previous legal attempts to overturn Museveni’s victories have proven unsuccessful. With term limits and age restrictions already removed from Uganda’s constitution, and potential rivals imprisoned or marginalized, the nation continues its six-decade absence of peaceful presidential transitions since independence.