Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has been announced as the winner of the presidential election, marking his seventh term and extending his nearly 40-year rule.
At 81 years old, Museveni received 71.65 percent of the votes, as reported by Uganda’s Electoral Commission.
However, the election was marred by violence, arrests, and an internet blackout, raising alarms among observers.
His primary opponent, Bobi Wine, a former musician turned politician, finished second with 24.72 percent of the votes.
Wine has rejected the election results and stated that he is in hiding following a raid by security forces on his home.
Reports indicate that at least 10 individuals lost their lives due to election-related violence, with opposition members accusing the government of intimidation and harassment.
Read also:
- Rugby School Nigeria example of UK-Nigeria collaboration – British envoy
- Binance revolutionizes African crypto market with new mobile money integration
- Egypt 2023: Flying Eagles to battle Egypt, Senegal and Mozambique
African election observers noted that while the voting day was largely peaceful, they expressed concern over the arrests, abductions, and an atmosphere of fear, which they believe undermined public confidence in the electoral process.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan, who led the observation mission, stated that the internet shutdown hindered transparency and heightened suspicion.
Security was heavily enforced in the capital, Kampala, as authorities sought to prevent protests. Museveni’s ruling party also performed strongly in the parliamentary elections, with vote counting still in progress.
Having been in power since 1986, Museveni is one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders.
