President Yoweri Museveni has secured a seventh term following the January 15 election, the Electoral Commission announced Saturday.
Museveni, 81, received 71.65% of the vote, while his main challenger, pop star-turned-politician Bobi Wine, garnered 24.72%, according to officials.
Bobi Wine, 43, and his wife were reportedly taken by security forces to an unknown location, sparking national and international concern.
The Election Commission confirmed the tally but could not provide the whereabouts of Bobi Wine, whose residence remains sealed by security agents.
Benjamin Katana, treasurer of Bobi Wine’s party, said no one is allowed to enter or exit the politician’s home under guard.
The son of Bobi Wine claimed on social media that both his parents were captured and forcibly removed by security operatives.
Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke said authorities were unaware of any arrest, leaving conflicting accounts between officials and eyewitness reports.
Museveni has now ruled Uganda for four decades, making him the fourth-longest-serving leader on the African continent in modern history.
He previously extended his tenure by removing presidential term limits in 2005 and 2017, consolidating decades of political power.
The AU-COMESA-IGAD observation mission, led by former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, expressed deep concern over Uganda’s political environment during the election.
Observers criticised the pre-election internet shutdown, saying it limited freedom of information, disrupted economic activity, and hindered independent monitoring of the polls.
The mission noted reports of violence at opposition rallies, resulting in injuries to journalists and destruction of media equipment during campaigns.
UN Human Rights chief Volker Turk condemned growing government repression, highlighting the detention of hundreds of opposition supporters ahead of the vote.
The European Union, citing unheeded advice from previous election missions, declined to send observers for Uganda’s presidential vote, continuing a post-2021 boycott.
The United States also withheld observers, despite Uganda’s strategic alignment with Washington on regional security and counterterrorism priorities.
Museveni’s victory cements his long-standing dominance over Uganda’s political landscape, while concerns over democratic transparency and civil liberties continue to mount.
