**Kampala, Uganda** – In the wake of his resounding victory in Uganda's presidential election, securing a seventh term in office since 1986, President Yoweri Museveni has escalated his rhetoric, labelling his political adversaries as "terrorists" and accusing them of plotting to destabilise the nation. The pronouncements come as international observers and human rights organisations voice grave concerns over the fairness of the electoral process, citing widespread repression of the opposition and a pervasive internet shutdown that stifled public discourse.
The provisional results, which saw Museveni garnering a substantial 72% of the votes cast, with his primary challenger, opposition leader Bobi Wine of the National Unity Platform (NUP), securing 25%, have been vehemently rejected by Wine's camp. Wine has decried the election as a "blatant theft," adding to the already palpable tensions that characterised the voting period. The atmosphere was further clouded by an unprecedented internet blackout, imposed by the government shortly before polling began, which significantly hampered the ability of citizens and observers alike to monitor the proceedings and disseminate information.
Following the election, the whereabouts of Bobi Wine became a subject of intense speculation. Wine himself claimed to have narrowly escaped a police raid on his residence on Saturday, asserting he had gone into hiding. However, official police statements have denied any such raid occurred. Independent journalists attempting to approach Wine's home were reportedly met with a heavy police presence, effectively barring them from verifying the situation or seeking comment directly from the opposition figure.
President Museveni, in his victory speech on Sunday, did not shy away from making pointed accusations. He asserted that certain factions within the opposition had resorted to violent tactics in an attempt to undermine the election results. Furthermore, he alluded to external complicity, stating, "Some of the opposition are wrong and also terrorists. They are working with some foreigners and some homosexual groups." He issued a stern warning to those he deemed "traitors," declaring, "All the traitors – this is free advice from me – stop everything, because we know what you are doing and you will not do it." Museveni also alleged that the NUP had harboured intentions of attacking polling stations.
The government's restrictive approach extended to the digital sphere, with a ban on numerous social media platforms remaining in effect, even as some limited internet connectivity was gradually restored in parts of the country. This sustained censorship has raised serious questions about transparency and the fundamental right to freedom of expression.
The outcome of the election and the subsequent pronouncements by President Museveni signal a continuation of his long-standing grip on power, while simultaneously deepening the chasm between the ruling establishment and the burgeoning opposition movement. The international community, including African election observers and various rights advocacy groups, are closely scrutinising the unfolding events, with significant concerns being raised about the erosion of democratic principles and the protection of fundamental human rights within Uganda. The uncertainty surrounding the safety of key opposition figures and the ongoing restrictions on communication cast a long shadow over the nation's political future.