**Kampala, Uganda** – Incumbent President Yoweri Museveni has been declared the victor in Uganda's presidential election, securing his seventh term in office. The announcement, made on Sunday, follows a tumultuous electoral period marred by widespread allegations of fraud, a severe internet blackout, and the systematic repression of the opposition. Museveni, who has presided over the East African nation since 1986, garnered 72% of the official vote, a result immediately contested by his main challenger.
The election's integrity has been cast into serious doubt by opposition leader Bobi Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi. Wine, representing the National Unity Platform (NUP), has vociferously denounced the results, claiming widespread irregularities and alleging that polling station officials were abducted. His concerns were amplified by the disruption of the electoral process itself, notably the failure of biometric voter identification machines in numerous locations. This technical malfunction necessitated the reliance on manual voter lists, a shift the opposition contends facilitated ballot stuffing and other fraudulent practices.
Adding to the charged atmosphere, Wine reported that his home was raided by security forces on Friday, just prior to the election. He described in social media posts how the military and police descended upon his residence, cutting off power and disabling CCTV cameras. While the police denied arresting him, they acknowledged restricting access to his property, a move Wine interpreted as an attempt to silence dissent. The government, meanwhile, justified its stringent measures, including a near-total internet shutdown and the prohibition of social media platforms until further notice, by citing the need to prevent unrest and maintain order. President Museveni himself has labelled his opponents as "terrorists" and "traitors," accusing them of colluding with external forces, including foreign and homosexual groups, to destabilize the nation.
The period surrounding the election witnessed significant clashes between security forces and opposition supporters, particularly in central Uganda. Official reports from the police indicate that seven individuals lost their lives during confrontations, 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 reports underscore the volatile nature of the post-election environment and raise grave concerns about human rights abuses.
The international community and human rights organisations have voiced their apprehension. African election observers, along with international rights groups such as Freedom House, which has classified Uganda as "not free," are scrutinising the electoral process. The extended internet blackout not only hampered domestic communication and information dissemination but also limited the ability of international observers and the diaspora to monitor events in real-time. The outcome of this election, while securing Museveni's continued leadership, has deepened existing political divisions and amplified calls for greater transparency and accountability in Uganda's governance. The whereabouts of Bobi Wine remain uncertain, adding another layer of disquiet to an already deeply troubled political landscape.