Museveni’s Seventh Term Confirmed as Uganda Votes Amid Technical Failures and Opposition Dispute
Updated (19 articles)
Museveni Secures Seventh Term with Around 72% Vote Share Official results placed President Yoweri Museveni at 71.6‑72 % of the national tally, granting him a seventh consecutive term [2][3][5]. Voter turnout was recorded at roughly 52 %, the lowest level since Uganda restored multiparty politics in 2006 [2][3][5]. The National Resistance Movement framed the outcome as evidence of its enduring dominance [2]. International observers noted the high margin but did not dispute the numerical count [3][5].
Bobi Wine Receives Roughly One‑Quarter of Votes and Rejects Results Opposition leader Bobi Wine garnered about 24.7‑25 % of the vote, trailing far behind Museveni [1][3][4][5]. He publicly declared the results “fake,” alleged ballot‑stuffing, and called for non‑violent protests while refusing to file a legal challenge [1][3][5]. Following a security raid on his home, Wine entered hiding and warned supporters to remain peaceful [1][4][5]. His statements contrasted sharply with the election commission’s claim of overall fairness [1].
Technical Glitches and Internet Blackout Marred Voting Process Biometric voter‑identification machines malfunctioned in urban centers, prompting officials to revert to paper registers and delay polling in Kampala [2][3][5]. A nationwide internet shutdown lasted several days, officially justified as a measure against misinformation [2][5]. The disruptions contributed to the low turnout and fueled criticism from domestic and international watchdogs [2][5]. Election officials later urged pre‑testing of biometric equipment to avoid repeat failures [3].
International Observers Report No Ballot Stuffing Amid Violence Claims The African Union observer mission, led by former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, found no evidence of ballot‑stuffing at the stations they monitored [3][5]. Nevertheless, seven opposition supporters were reported killed in post‑election violence, and Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba threatened further action against dissenters [1][2]. Security hotspots experienced sporadic clashes, prompting restrictions on movement in several neighborhoods [5]. The UN human‑rights office expressed deep concern over the internet blackout and its impact on civil liberties [5].
Sources (5 articles)
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[1]
BBC: Bobi Wine Will Not Contest Museveni's 2026 Victory, Urges Peaceful Protests – Highlights Wine’s refusal to pursue a court petition, his call for peaceful protest, the raid on his home, and threats issued by Gen Muhoozi .
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[2]
AP: Museveni Touts Victory as Sign of Party Strength Amid Low Uganda Turnout – Emphasizes Museveni’s speech on party dominance, the 52 % turnout, seven opposition supporters killed, biometric failures, and Besigye’s continued imprisonment .
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[3]
AP: Museveni Wins Seventh Term Amid Fraud Claims and Internet Shutdown – Details biometric machine failures, shift to paper records, AU observers’ lack of ballot‑stuffing evidence, and the 52 % turnout figure .
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[4]
BBC: Museveni Wins Seventh Term as Bobi Wine Rejects Results in Uganda Election – Focuses on Museveni’s oil‑growth narrative, speculation about his health, internal NRM succession dynamics, and analyst commentary on gradual change .
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[5]
BBC: Museveni Wins Uganda Election with 72% as Turnout 52.5% – Reports UN concerns over the internet blackout, AU mission led by Jonathan, security hotspots, and the unclear status of Wine after a reported home invasion .
Stories about this story (3 stories)
All related articles (19 articles)
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BBC: Bobi Wine will not contest Museveni's 2026 victory, urges peaceful protests
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AP: Museveni touts victory as sign of party strength amid low Uganda turnout
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AP: Museveni wins seventh term amid fraud claims and internet shutdown
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BBC: Museveni wins seventh term as Bobi Wine rejects results in Uganda election
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BBC: Museveni wins Uganda election with 72% as turnout 52.5%
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BBC: Museveni wins seventh term as Uganda's president amid opposition crackdown
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BBC: Uganda election: Police deny Bobi Wine abduction claims as Museveni heads for victory
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BBC: Museveni maintains lead as Uganda election sparks fraud claims and security tensions
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BBC: Uganda counts votes as internet shutdown fuels questions in Museveni-Wine race
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AP: Uganda election delayed at polling stations amid technical glitches and internet shutdown
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BBC: Museveni seeks seventh term as Wine challenges again in Uganda election
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BBC: Uganda poll chief says threats will not derail declaring results as internet cuts raise concerns
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AP: Uganda heads to vote as Museveni seeks seventh term amid security crackdown
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AP: Bobi Wine campaigns in flak jacket ahead of Uganda's Jan. 15 election
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BBC: Uganda imposes internet blackout ahead of Thursday election
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BBC: Uganda's 2026 election pits Museveni against Bobi Wine as youth drive the campaign
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BBC: Bobi Wine to challenge Museveni in Uganda's January presidential election amid security tensions
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AP: Security forces break up Bobi Wine rallies amid tear gas, arrests and threats ahead of Jan. 15 vote
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BBC: Uganda denies planned internet shutdown ahead of 15 January election after Starlink restriction
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