Ugandan Electoral Commission Declares Museveni Winner Amid Violence, Killings, Extending 40-Year Rule

Uganda’s Electoral Commission on Friday declared President Yoweri Museveni the winner of the country’s presidential election, extending his rule to nearly four decades amid widespread reports of violence, killings and allegations of electoral irregularities.
According to results announced by the commission, Museveni, 81, secured a decisive majority of the votes cast, defeating a fragmented opposition in a contest marred by heavy security deployment, restrictions on opposition activities and sporadic unrest across parts of the country.
The announcement triggered immediate condemnation from opposition leaders and civil society groups, who accused authorities of presiding over a deeply flawed process. Several opposition figures rejected the results, citing voter intimidation, ballot stuffing and the detention of party agents in multiple constituencies.
Human rights organisations reported that election-related violence claimed several lives in the days leading up to, during and after voting. Witnesses and local monitors said clashes between security forces and protesters erupted in parts of Kampala and other urban centres after preliminary results began to circulate, with live ammunition reportedly used to disperse crowds.
Security forces defended their actions, saying they were responding to attempts to incite violence and undermine public order. Police and military spokespersons said operations were necessary to prevent “chaos and sabotage” during a sensitive national exercise.
Museveni, who first took power in 1986 after a guerrilla war, hailed the outcome as a victory for democracy and stability. In a brief address after the declaration, he urged Ugandans to remain calm and respect the law, promising to focus on economic growth, security and national unity in his new term.
“This election has demonstrated the people’s confidence in our vision,” Museveni said. “We will continue to safeguard peace and move Uganda forward.”
The opposition, however, painted a starkly different picture. One leading challenger said the vote represented “the institutionalisation of repression,” adding that legal options, including a possible court challenge, were being considered.
International observers expressed concern over the conduct of the election. While some regional bodies acknowledged the peaceful conduct of voting in rural areas, others pointed to restrictions on the media, internet disruptions, and the arrest or harassment of opposition supporters as serious shortcomings.
Museveni’s victory further entrenches one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders, reinforcing debates about democratic backsliding in Uganda. With tensions still high and opposition supporters threatening protests, analysts warn that the days ahead could prove critical for the country’s stability.
As Uganda braces for the aftermath, calls are growing for independent investigations into election-related violence and for dialogue between the government and opposition to prevent further bloodshed.