Museveni declared winner in Uganda’s controversial polls

Newsflash Reporter and Agencies

Uganda’s Electoral Commission has formally declared President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni the President-elect following Thursday’s tightly watched general election.

Announcing the final tally on Saturday, Commission chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama said Museveni secured 71.65 per cent of the votes cast, comfortably ahead of his main challenger, National Unity Platform (NUP) leader Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, who garnered 24.7 per cent.

The declaration followed the completion of nationwide vote tallying and paves the way for Museveni to begin yet another term in office, pending the formal swearing-in and other post-election processes. The result extends Museveni’s decades-long grip on power, even as the poll was conducted against a backdrop of heightened political tension, security deployments and restrictions on communication.

Bobi Wine claims escape

Even as the Electoral Commission confirmed the outcome, dramatic claims emerged from the opposition camp. Bobi Wine earlier said he had escaped from what he described as a night raid on his home by security forces, amid widespread speculation over his whereabouts.

His party had alleged that a helicopter landed at his residence in Magere, a Kampala suburb, and that he was forcibly taken to an unknown location.

In a subsequent statement, Wine said he managed to evade the security operation and was no longer at home, although his wife and other family members remained under house arrest.

“The military and police raided us, switched off power and disabled some CCTV cameras. There were helicopters hovering over,” Wine said, adding that the nationwide internet shutdown had fuelled confusion and rumours. He explained that neighbours, barred from accessing the area, assumed he had been abducted and spread the reports.

Security response and tensions

Ugandan authorities dismissed Wine’s claims. Speaking at a press briefing, police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke insisted the opposition leader was still at his residence, accusing family members of spreading “unfounded” reports. He said access to the area had been restricted because it was deemed a “security hotspot,” arguing that the measures were necessary to prevent gatherings that could lead to unrest.

Wine, however, rejected the official election results, accusing authorities of ballot stuffing and declaring them “fake,” though he offered no evidence. In a video message later posted online, he demanded the restoration of internet services and the publication of results from individual polling stations.

He also called on Ugandans to reject the outcome through non-violent protest, claiming demonstrations and arrests were already taking place.

The post-election period has been marked by violence and uncertainty. The US Embassy issued a security alert citing reports of tear gas use and warning shots fired to disperse crowds. Reports also emerged that at least seven opposition supporters were killed in Butambala district, with Wine alleging additional fatalities elsewhere, further deepening concerns over Uganda’s political climate.