Museveni Wins 7th Term in Uganda as Opposition Rejects "Fake Results"

Uganda’s long-serving President, Yoweri Museveni, has been declared the winner of the 2026 presidential election, extending his 40-year rule. On Saturday, January 17, 2026, the Electoral Commission announced that the 81-year-old Museveni secured 7.9 million votes, representing roughly 71.6% of the total votes cast.
His main challenger, Robert Kyagulanyi—popularly known as the musician-turned-politician Bobi Wine—came second with 2.7 million votes. However, Bobi Wine has completely rejected the results, calling them a "complete sham." He alleged that the election was marred by massive ballot stuffing and reported that many of his polling agents were arrested or abducted by security forces.

The election was held under a tense atmosphere, starting with a total internet blackout ordered by the government just before the polls to stop people from sharing information. There were also many reports of biometric machines failing in opposition strongholds, which forced officials to use manual registers that critics say allowed for rigging. Furthermore, Bobi Wine claimed he had to go into hiding after police raided his home, while other opposition figures remain in detention.

Museveni, who first took power in 1986, has now secured a record seventh term. While his supporters celebrated the win as a victory for stability, international observers and rights groups have raised serious concerns about the fairness of the process.
What is your take on Museveni’s 40-year hold on power? Do you think the opposition should challenge the results in court? Let us know in the comments!

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