Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has secured his seventh term in office with an overwhelming 70% of the vote, according to official election results. His victory came amidst claims of electoral irregularities by opposition leader Bobi Wine, who was denied a peaceful transfer of power.
Wine took to social media to condemn what he described as "fake results" and alleged that polling staff were kidnapped, while his party claimed they had been taken into custody by security forces in an army helicopter. The musician also expressed concern for his safety, donning a flak jacket and helmet during a rally, citing harassment and tear gas used by security forces.
Ugandan police initially denied Wine's allegations of arrest, stating instead that the area was being restricted to prevent unrest. However, opposition activists claim that manual voter lists were used in some areas, which they say led to "massive ballot stuffing" and favouritism towards Museveni's party.
The election took place amidst an internet shutdown, with pro-democracy activists calling for the use of biometric voter ID machines to prevent allegations of voter fraud. Seven people died and three were injured during clashes between police and opposition supporters in central Uganda, sparking further controversy over the legitimacy of the results.
Museveni has ruled Uganda since 1986, making him one of the longest-serving leaders globally. His term limits have been rewritten to allow for multiple re-elections, raising concerns over the country's transition to democracy. Wine, who was just a youth when Museveni took power, has called for peaceful protests in an attempt to pressure authorities to release the "rightful results".
The election outcome has left many questioning Uganda's commitment to democratic principles and transparency. Human rights monitor Freedom House has long described the country as "not free", citing low levels of electoral integrity and limited opportunities for opposition representation.
For now, Museveni remains in power, with a forecasted growth in Uganda's economy expected next year under his leadership. However, Wine's vocal condemnation of the results has sparked renewed calls for reform and greater accountability in Ugandan politics.
Wine took to social media to condemn what he described as "fake results" and alleged that polling staff were kidnapped, while his party claimed they had been taken into custody by security forces in an army helicopter. The musician also expressed concern for his safety, donning a flak jacket and helmet during a rally, citing harassment and tear gas used by security forces.
Ugandan police initially denied Wine's allegations of arrest, stating instead that the area was being restricted to prevent unrest. However, opposition activists claim that manual voter lists were used in some areas, which they say led to "massive ballot stuffing" and favouritism towards Museveni's party.
The election took place amidst an internet shutdown, with pro-democracy activists calling for the use of biometric voter ID machines to prevent allegations of voter fraud. Seven people died and three were injured during clashes between police and opposition supporters in central Uganda, sparking further controversy over the legitimacy of the results.
Museveni has ruled Uganda since 1986, making him one of the longest-serving leaders globally. His term limits have been rewritten to allow for multiple re-elections, raising concerns over the country's transition to democracy. Wine, who was just a youth when Museveni took power, has called for peaceful protests in an attempt to pressure authorities to release the "rightful results".
The election outcome has left many questioning Uganda's commitment to democratic principles and transparency. Human rights monitor Freedom House has long described the country as "not free", citing low levels of electoral integrity and limited opportunities for opposition representation.
For now, Museveni remains in power, with a forecasted growth in Uganda's economy expected next year under his leadership. However, Wine's vocal condemnation of the results has sparked renewed calls for reform and greater accountability in Ugandan politics.
I'm so done with elections where one guy just gets to keep on keeping on 
. Like, what's the point of having a government if they're just gonna rig everything? And can't anyone do anything about it? Bobi Wine is speaking truth, but he's just getting silenced by the powers that be 
. Uganda needs real change, not just some token gestures towards "reform" 
. And don't even get me started on the economy... if Museveni is growing Uganda's economy, that just means he's getting richer and more powerful 
. It's time for some accountability, you know? 
. I mean, 70% is a pretty significant margin, but if there was even a whiff of scandal, it'd be a different story altogether 
. I feel like Museveni's been in power for ages, and it's hard to see how he can be considered truly democratic when his term limits have been rewritten like this 
. Wine's right to call for peaceful protests, though - sometimes you gotta make some noise before change happens 
.
. And those claims of electoral irregularities? Totally made up, I'm sure. I mean, who needs proof when you've got Bobi Wine and his flak jacket trying to stir up drama 
. The fact that Uganda has internet shutdowns during elections just shows how serious they are about keeping the truth from getting out 
. Museveni's 7th term is just another reminder that democracy ain't exactly on the agenda in Uganda 
. More like a dictator's playground 
. Can't help but wonder what the future holds for those youth who are growing up with this guy as their leader 
, 70% is still pretty sketchy if you ask me. I mean, how can they trust the vote when manual lists are being used? It's like they're asking people to vote for them blindfolded 
. And what's up with the internet shutdown? That just adds fuel to the fire of "fake results" 
. Museveni's been in power for ages and it's time someone held him accountable, not just for his own sake but for the country's too. He needs to let go of that grip on power and let Uganda take a step towards real democracy 
. The fact that Wine is calling for peaceful protests shows he's got some guts, and we should be supporting him 
.
So Museveni won again, no surprise 
. But what's up with those election irregularities? I made a quick diagram to show my thoughts 
? 
. Wine's protests might be a good start, but can they get any louder? 
. It's not right that he was denied a peaceful transfer of power, especially after calling out what he saw as rigged results. And yeah, Museveni's been in power for ages, which is just crazy to think about 
. Can you imagine being president for like, 39 years straight?! It's no wonder there are concerns about democracy and transparency in Uganda.
u know how it is when the system is all messed up and ppl don't trust it anymore. museveni's been in power for so long that it's hard to imagine anyone else taking over 
but at the same time, bobi wine's right to speak out and demand change. it's like, we gotta have some sort of accountability system in place or else we're just gonna keep getting stuck in this cycle of corruption 
The internet shutdown didn't help matters either - that's just another way to silence people who want change 
. Either way, I think it's time for some real change in Uganda 
. They need to figure out a way to make voting more secure and give the people a voice 
.
and internet shutdowns, i mean come on, that's just basic voter rights stuff 
freedom house calling uganda "not free"? yikes 
we need to see some serious reforms happening in that country ASAP 
it's like they're trying to keep democracy in a straight jacket 
. Museveni's 7th term is a slap in the face to democracy 
.
. Meanwhile, Museveni's continued grip on power is a stark reminder of the need for term limits and checks on executive authority.
and now he's got a 7th term? That's some crazy longevity 
. And the fact that opposition leader Bobi Wine is basically saying his vote was stolen from him 
It's all so shady 
.
. We're all watching, Museveni 
.
but at the same time I think it's good that Bobi Wine is speaking out against what he sees as unfair voting practices 
?
️ it's crazy that security forces are using tear gas and harassment tactics to stop people from protesting. 
) and it seems like those voting lists were definitely tampered with. And what's up with the internet shutdown? That's just a classic move to silence dissent. Newsflash: people are still gonna speak out against corruption and unfair elections, even with the 'net cut off 
i'm gonna keep following this story, fingers crossed things get better in uganda