Yoweri Museveni Wins Seventh Term as Uganda President with 72% Votes

Uganda’s long-serving president Yoweri Museveni has once again won the presidential election, securing 72 percent of the votes. He defeated his main rival, opposition leader and former pop singer Bobi Wine, who received 24 percent of the votes. The Election Commission announced the results on January 17 in the capital city, Kampala.

This marks Museveni’s seventh term as president and his fifth consecutive electoral victory. The 81-year-old leader has been in power since 1986, when he first came to power through an armed rebellion. Over the years, Museveni amended the constitution twice to remove age and term limits, further strengthening his hold on power.

Allegations of Violence and Election Fraud

Despite the victory, Museveni’s re-election has been overshadowed by allegations of violence and electoral malpractice. Bobi Wine has accused the government of large-scale election rigging and has urged his supporters to protest. Concerns are also growing about Museveni’s advanced age and the question of succession.

During the election campaign, security forces repeatedly used tear gas and live ammunition to disperse Bobi Wine’s rallies. At least one person was killed, and hundreds of Wine’s supporters were reportedly arrested. Similar concerns were raised in the 2021 elections, which the United States described as neither free nor fair.

Bobi Wine Flees After Military Raid

Bobi Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi, said he narrowly escaped after the military raided his home. He stated that he is currently in hiding. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Wine said the army and police cut off electricity and disabled CCTV cameras during the raid.

He also claimed that his wife and other family members remain under house arrest, although further details have not yet emerged. The developments have raised serious concerns about political freedom and human rights in Uganda following the election.