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President Yoweri Museveni has been declared the winner of Uganda’s presidential election, extending his time in power by another five years, the country’s electoral commission said Saturday.
The commission said Museveni won 72% of the vote in Thursday’s poll, defeating his closest challenger, Bobi Wine, who received 25%.
Wine rejected the results, describing them as “fake,” and called on Ugandans to engage in non-violent protests.
“I reiterate our COMPLETE REJECTION of the fake results Byabakama is reading. In addition to the ballot stuffing, the military take-over of the election, the detention of our leaders and polling officials, and other electoral offences, their results have zero backing,” Wine wrote on X.
There was no immediate comment from the electoral commission in response to the allegation.
Credit: BBC
Museveni, 81, first took power in 1986 after leading a rebel movement that overthrew the government. He has since won seven presidential elections.
The election period was marked by violence, according to Wine, who said at least 21 people were killed. Ugandan authorities have confirmed seven deaths.
Internet access has been cut nationwide since Tuesday, limiting independent verification of events. The government said the shutdown was intended to prevent misinformation, electoral fraud and incitement to violence.
The United Nations human rights office criticised the internet blackout, calling it “deeply worrying.” Wine has demanded that access be restored.
