Museveni
By Olamilekan Abayomi
Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni has won a seventh term in office, securing 71.65% of the vote, according to the Electoral Commission. His main challenger, Bobi Wine, garnered 24.72% of the votes. Museveni, 81, has been in power since 1986, making him one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders.
The election was marked by controversy, with Wine alleging massive ballot stuffing and attacking several of his party officials under cover of an internet blackout. The internet shutdown was imposed ahead of the polls, which authorities said was necessary to prevent “misinformation.
Museveni’s victory was not unexpected, given his control over state institutions and the security apparatus. He has changed the constitution twice to remove age and term limits, allowing him to run for re-election. Many Ugandans appreciate the relative stability his tenure has brought, and he campaigned on a slogan of “protecting the gains.
Wine, 43, a former singer-turned-politician, had emerged as Museveni’s main challenger in recent years. He styled himself the “ghetto president” and claimed to represent the interests of Uganda’s youth. However, his rallies were repeatedly interrupted by security forces firing tear gas and bullets .
The election was also marred by violence, with reports of at least 10 people killed in central Uganda after police fired in self-defense against opposition supporters. Wine’s whereabouts were unknown on Saturday, after he said he had escaped a raid by the military on his house.Museveni’s re-election has sparked concerns about the future of democracy in Uganda.
