Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni secured a seventh term in office after a recent election, with official results announced on Saturday, January 17. The 81-year-old leader garnered 71.65 percent of the vote, as declared by the Electoral Commission, extending his four-decade rule over the East African nation. The election, however, was significantly marred by widespread reports of violence, an extensive internet shutdown, and accusations of intimidation against the opposition and civil society, which African observers stated had "instilled fear."

His primary challenger, 43-year-old former singer-turned-politician Bobi Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi, secured 24.72 percent of the vote. Wine vehemently rejected the results, calling them "fake," and claimed he was in hiding on Saturday following a raid by security forces on his home on Friday night. In a post on X, Wine stated, "I want to confirm that I managed to escape from them," adding that while he was safe, his wife and other family members remained under house arrest. He expressed concern for his safety, noting, "I know that these criminals are looking for me everywhere and I am trying my best to keep safe."

The capital, Kampala, experienced a heavy police presence as security forces worked to prevent protests similar to those seen in neighboring Kenya and Tanzania. Police denied raiding Wine's residence but confirmed they had "controlled access in areas we feel are security hotspots." Police spokesman Kituuma Rusoke explained that while people were not explicitly denied access to Wine, authorities could not "tolerated instances where people use his residence to gather and... incite violence." A local stall-owner, Prince Jerard, corroborated observations of significant security activity, including a drone and helicopter near Wine's home, and spoke of "a lot of fear" in the area.

Wine, known as the "ghetto president," has become Museveni's leading opponent in recent years, facing persistent pressure and multiple arrests, including before his 2021 presidential bid. He accused the government of "massive ballot stuffing" and attacking his party officials, particularly under the cover of the internet blackout imposed ahead of the polls and maintained throughout the weekend.

African election observers, including former Nigerian president Goodluck Jonathan representing the African Union, COMESA, and IGAD, noted the absence of evidence for ballot stuffing. However, they strongly condemned "reports of intimidation, arrest and abductions" targeting opposition members and civil society, emphasizing how these actions "instilled fear and eroded public trust in the electoral process." Jonathan also highlighted that the internet shutdown "disrupted effective observation" and "increased suspicion," although he described the overall conduct of the polls on election day as "peaceful."

Reports of election-related violence emerged, with Muwanga Kivumbi, an MP from Wine's party, alleging that security forces killed 10 of his campaign agents. Police offered a different account, stating that an "unspecified number" of people were "put out of action" when opposition members allegedly planned to overrun and burn down a local tally center and police station. Museveni's ruling National Resistance Movement party also demonstrated a commanding lead in parliamentary seats, according to provisional results.

Analysts had widely viewed Museveni's victory as a foregone conclusion. A former guerrilla fighter who seized power in 1986, Museveni maintains absolute control over the state and its security apparatus, consistently suppressing any challenge to his authority. Another prominent opposition figure, Kizza Besigye, who contested against Museveni four times, was reportedly abducted in Kenya in 2024 and is currently undergoing a treason trial in a Ugandan military court.