Uganda’s President Museveni Wins Election, Set For Sixth Term After 35-Year Rule

Uganda’s ruling Presidential, Yoweri Museveni has won the election for a sixth term as president with election results on Saturday placing him firmly ahead of his main rival, Robert Kyagulanyi popularly known as Bobi wine.

The 76-year-old was named the winner of the polls after crushing ten other candidates including major challenger, Bobi Wine of the National Unity Platform who had 3.48 million votes (34.8%).

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With the declaration, Museveni is set to be sworn in on May 12 for his sixth term, which expires in 2026.

Bobi Wine, 38, meanwhile was on track to see his newly formed National Unity Platform become the main opposition party in Parliament, notably winning eight of nine constituencies in the capital Kampala.

The poll followed one of the most violent campaigns in years, with harassment and arrests of the opposition, attacks on the media and the deaths of at least 54 people. Thursday’s election took place in apparent calm, but under the oppressive presence of soldiers and riot police and an internet blackout which has now entered its fourth day.

However, Wine has alleged widespread fraud such as ballot box stuffing. On Friday, he said;

Whatever is being declared is a complete sham, we reject it and we dissociate ourselves with it.

Wine, promised to provide video evidence once the internet was restored.

Election commission chairman Justice Simon Mugenyi Byabakama said “the onus is on candidate Kyagulanyi to show how votes are rigged”.

On Friday late afternoon Wine told AFP he felt under threat as soldiers surrounded his home. He said

They jumped over my fence. They came inside my compound. They are here right now. I don’t know why they’re here. But I’m imagining they are here to harm me. I feel threatened.

The army’s deputy spokesman, Deo Akiiki said the soldiers were there to provide security and had stopped three people who tried to “access the house”.

Police have advised people not to go out to celebrate or protest when results are announced citing COVID-19 regulations.

Museveni has ruled Uganda since seizing control in 1986, when he helped to end years of tyranny under Idi Amin and Milton Obote. He is one of Africa’s longest serving leaders. He has crushed any opposition and tweaked the constitution to allow himself to run again and again.