Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has been declared the winner of the country’s latest election, extending his decades-long grip on power, as his main opponent Bobi Wine denounced the outcome as fraudulent and accused authorities of widespread intimidation and electoral manipulation.
A contested victory
According to official results released by the electoral authorities, Yoweri Museveni secured another term as president, reinforcing his position as one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders. Museveni, who has ruled Uganda since 1986, campaigned on a platform of stability, security and economic continuity, presenting himself as a guarantor of order in a volatile region.
The announcement was met with immediate rejection from the opposition. Bobi Wine, the popular musician-turned-politician who emerged as Museveni’s most prominent challenger, dismissed the outcome as a “fake result” that did not reflect the will of the Ugandan people.
Allegations of intimidation and abuse
Bobi Wine alleged that the electoral process was marred by serious irregularities, including the kidnapping and detention of polling staff and opposition supporters. He claimed that security forces interfered with vote counting in several areas and that independent observers were restricted or prevented from operating freely.
The opposition leader said these actions formed part of a broader pattern of repression aimed at suppressing dissent and ensuring a predetermined outcome. He called on Ugandans to remain calm but urged citizens to engage in peaceful protests to express their rejection of the result.
Government response and security measures
Ugandan authorities have rejected allegations of fraud, insisting that the election was conducted in accordance with the law. Officials argue that heightened security measures were necessary to maintain public order and prevent unrest. Museveni has repeatedly accused the opposition of attempting to destabilise the country and has defended the role of the security forces as essential to national stability.
In the days surrounding the vote, restrictions on internet access, public gatherings and opposition campaigning raised concern among civil society groups and international observers, who warned that such measures undermined the credibility of the electoral process.
International reaction and regional implications
The election has drawn close scrutiny from Uganda’s international partners. Western governments and human rights organisations have expressed concern over reports of intimidation, media restrictions and the treatment of opposition figures. Calls for transparency, restraint and respect for civil liberties have followed the announcement of the result.
Uganda plays a key role in regional security in East Africa, contributing troops to international peacekeeping missions and acting as a strategic partner for several Western nations. As a result, the political stability of Uganda carries broader regional significance, complicating the international response to contested domestic politics.
A familiar pattern
For many Ugandans, the disputed outcome reinforces a long-standing pattern in which elections consolidate Museveni’s rule while limiting genuine political competition. Critics argue that constitutional changes, security force loyalty and control over state institutions have created an uneven playing field that favours the incumbent.
Supporters of Museveni counter that his leadership has delivered relative stability and economic progress compared with Uganda’s turbulent past, and warn that abrupt political change could risk renewed instability.
An uncertain path forward
As Bobi Wine urges peaceful resistance and the government asserts its authority, Uganda faces a tense post-election period. Whether dialogue, legal challenges or international pressure will alter the political trajectory remains uncertain, but the election has once again highlighted deep divisions over governance, democracy and power in the country.
Newshub Editorial in Africa – 18 January 2026
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