In brief
Yoweri Museveni, 81, has been declared the victor in Uganda's recent election, extending his presidency to a staggering 40 years. With the results announcing 72% of the vote in his favor against opposition leader Bobi Wine's 25%, allegations of electoral fraud and violence have clouded the victory. Despite international observers finding no evidence of ballot stuffing, the political tensions remain high as Wine and his supporters denounce the results and call for protests amidst reports of fatalities during the pre-election period.
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has been declared the winner of Thursday's election extending his four decades in power by another five years.
He gained 72% of the vote, the election commission announced, against 25% for his closest challenger Bobi Wine, who has condemned what he described as fake results and ballot stuffing.
Wine has not provided any details, and the authorities have not responded to his allegations, but African Union election observers said they saw no evidence of ballot stuffing. Wine has called for non-violent protests.
Museveni, 81, first came to power as a rebel leader in 1986 but has since won seven elections.
The election process was marred by violence, with Wine stating that at least 21 people have been killed in recent days, although authorities have confirmed seven deaths.
Electoral commission head Simon Byabakama urged supporters of both factions to embrace unity and accept the results amid minimal celebrations across Kampala.
Internet access has been cut in the country since Tuesday, which has hindered verification of information during this critical period. Authorities have stated that the blackout was necessary to prevent misinformation and incitement of violence, a move criticized by the UN human rights office.
Bobi Wine has reiterated his call for the restoration of internet services and expressed concerns over reported human rights violations including intimidation and arrests of opposition supporters during the electoral process.
As Museveni's role as a stabilizing force in a history marked by conflict is defended, the implications of his continued leadership over a youthful demographic in Uganda remain to be seen.
