Kampala, Uganda – Incumbent President Yoweri Museveni has been officially declared the victor in Uganda's presidential election, securing his seventh term in office. The announcement on Sunday concluded a deeply contested electoral period, which was unfortunately overshadowed by extensive claims of fraud, a severe internet blackout, and the systematic suppression of opposition. Mr. Museveni, who has governed the East African nation since 1986, reportedly secured 72% of the official vote, a result immediately challenged by his primary opponent.
The integrity of the election has been severely undermined by opposition leader Bobi Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi. Mr. Wine, representing the National Unity Platform, has vehemently denounced the announced results, citing numerous irregularities and alleging the abduction of polling station officials. His concerns have been amplified by significant disruptions to the electoral process, most notably the failure of biometric voter identification machines in numerous locations. This technical malfunction necessitated a reliance on manual voter lists, a change the opposition contends facilitated ballot stuffing and other illicit practices.
Adding to the tense atmosphere, Mr. Wine reported that his home was raided by security forces on Friday, just before the election. He described on social media how military and police personnel descended upon his residence, cutting off power and disabling CCTV cameras. While the police denied arresting him, they admitted to restricting access to his property, a move Mr. Wine interpreted as an effort to silence dissent. The government, meanwhile, justified its stringent measures, including a near-total internet shutdown and the prohibition of social media platforms, by citing the necessity of preventing unrest and maintaining public order.
The period surrounding the election witnessed considerable confrontations between security forces and opposition supporters, particularly in central Uganda. Official police reports indicate that seven individuals lost their lives during these clashes, with authorities claiming they fired on "goons." However, MP Muwanga Kivumbi presented a more alarming account, asserting that security forces were responsible for the deaths of ten people within his constituency alone. These disparate reports highlight the volatile nature of the post-election environment and raise serious concerns about potential human rights abuses.
International observers and human rights organisations have expressed significant apprehension regarding the election's fairness. African election monitors, alongside international rights groups, are currently scrutinising the electoral process. The extended internet blackout not only hampered domestic communication but also limited the capacity of international observers to monitor events in real-time. The election's outcome, while confirming Mr. Museveni's continued leadership, has exacerbated existing political divisions and amplified calls for greater transparency and accountability within Uganda's governance.