Uganda’s long-serving president Yoweri Museveni has won another term in office after being declared the landslide victor in the country’s presidential election, a vote overshadowed by

violence, heavy security deployment and allegations of electoral fraud.

The electoral commission announced the results on Saturday in the capital, Kampala, saying Museveni captured just under 72% of the vote. His closest rival, opposition figure and pop star-turned-politician Bobi Wine, garnered 24%, according to official figures.

At 81, Museveni’s victory extends his grip on power into a fifth decade, reinforcing his dominance of Uganda’s political landscape as debate intensifies over who might eventually succeed him. The decisive margin appears designed to strengthen his authority at a time when his leadership faces growing scrutiny both at home and abroad.

The election period was marked by reports of intimidation, arrests of opposition supporters and sporadic violence, raising concerns among rights groups and international observers about the fairness of the process. Bobi Wine, who has emerged as a powerful symbol of resistance among young Ugandans, has disputed the outcome, citing widespread irregularities.

Security forces remained on high alert following the announcement, while the opposition leader’s whereabouts were unclear, adding to tensions in the aftermath of the vote.

Despite the controversy, the government has defended the conduct of the election, insisting it reflected the will of the people. Museveni, a former rebel leader who first took power in 1986, now faces the challenge of governing a deeply divided nation while addressing mounting questions about political freedoms and Uganda’s future leadership. Photo by Javiramk16, Wikimedia commons.