After 40 Years as Uganda President, 81-Year-Old Museveni Wins 7th Term
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has secured a seventh term in office following an election marked by violence and an internet shutdown, as African observers said arrests and abductions had “instilled fear” across the country.
Museveni, 81, was declared winner with 71.65 per cent of the vote in Thursday’s election, according to the Electoral Commission.
The result followed reports of at least 10 deaths, alongside intimidation of opposition figures and civil society groups.
The victory extends Museveni’s rule of the East African nation to about 40 years.
He defeated opposition candidate Bobi Wine, 43, a former singer-turned-politician, who polled 24.72 per cent.
Wine said on Saturday that he was in hiding after security forces raided his home.
He has faced sustained pressure since joining politics, including multiple arrests ahead of his first presidential bid in 2021.
Wine rejected the outcome, describing the results as fraudulent.
He said he escaped from his residence during the raid carried out on Friday night.
“I want to confirm that I managed to escape from them,” Wine wrote on X on Saturday.
“Currently, I am not at home, although my wife and other family members remain under house arrest.
“I know that these criminals are looking for me everywhere and I am trying my best to keep safe,” Wine said.
AFP journalists reported a heavy police presence around the capital, Kampala.
Security forces were seen taking steps to prevent protests similar to those recently witnessed in neighbouring Kenya and Tanzania.
Police denied carrying out a raid on Wine’s home.
They said officers had only “controlled access in areas we feel are security hotspots”.
The police added that they believed the opposition leader was still at home.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
