Yoweri Museveni Secures Seventh Term as Uganda’s President Amidst Election Turmoil and Digital Blackout

Uganda’s Electoral Commission officially confirmed on Saturday, January 17, 2026, that incumbent President Yoweri Museveni has been re-elected for a seventh consecutive term in office. Museveni, a towering figure in East African politics who has maintained his grip on power since January 26, 1986, secured a commanding 71.65% of the total vote. This percentage translates to 7,944,772 ballots cast in his favor, reinforcing his long-standing dominance over the nation’s political landscape.

The primary challenger, Robert Kyagulanyi—widely recognized by his stage name Bobi Wine and leader of the National Unity Platform (NUP)—garnered 24.72% of the vote, totaling 2,741,238 ballots. Following the announcement, Wine immediately denounced the figures, characterizing the election results as a complete fabrication. His rejection of the outcome sets the stage for a potentially protracted political dispute in a country already on edge.

The electoral process, culminating in the vote on Thursday, January 15, 2026, was marred by a significant atmosphere of tension. This was exacerbated by a nationwide internet blackout that commenced on January 13 and was only lifted late Saturday evening. The communication vacuum left many citizens and observers in the dark during the most critical moments of the democratic process.

Simon Byabakama, the Chairman of the Electoral Commission, defended the decision to sever digital connections, asserting that the shutdown was a necessary measure to prevent the spread of misinformation and to curb potential incitement to violence. Despite these justifications, the directive issued by the Uganda Communications Commission was met with sharp criticism from various sectors.

International observers and the United Nations expressed deep-seated concerns regarding the lack of connectivity. They argued that the absence of internet services severely restricted the ability of monitors to document the proceedings in real-time, thereby undermining the overall transparency and credibility of the election. The blackout effectively hindered the flow of information at a time when clarity was most needed.

Reports of violence cast a dark shadow over the election period. On Friday, January 16, police authorities confirmed that seven individuals had lost their lives during shooting incidents. Law enforcement officials claimed these actions were taken in self-defense against "rioters" who were allegedly disrupting public order. However, these accounts have been fiercely contested by opposition figures.

In a conflicting report, Member of Parliament Muwanga Kivumbi leveled serious allegations against the state, claiming that security forces were responsible for the deaths of ten people at his private residence. The discrepancy between official police reports and opposition claims highlights the volatile and polarized nature of the current political climate in Uganda.

Bobi Wine himself reported a harrowing experience, stating that he was forced into hiding after security forces allegedly stormed his home. The opposition leader claimed he narrowly avoided a kidnapping attempt, further fueling the narrative of state-sponsored intimidation against political rivals. These events have drawn international attention to the state of human rights in the country.

Technical difficulties also plagued the voting day, particularly in urban centers like the capital, Kampala, which are known strongholds for the opposition. Widespread failures of biometric voter identification machines caused significant delays, leading many polling stations to abandon the digital systems in favor of manual voter registers. This shift raised questions about the efficiency and preparedness of the electoral infrastructure.

Despite these hurdles, the African Union observation mission offered a different perspective. Led by former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, the mission stated that they found no concrete evidence of ballot stuffing at the specific polling locations they monitored. This assessment provided a degree of international validation for the technical conduct of the vote, even as other aspects remained under fire.

Yoweri Museveni’s lengthy tenure began in 1986 following the overthrow of Milton Obote’s regime. While he is credited with restoring stability after years of civil unrest, his refusal to step down has drawn criticism. Constitutional amendments that removed presidential term and age limits have paved the way for his continued rule, leading to accusations of democratic backsliding.

Looking ahead, Uganda’s economic prospects appear tied to its political stability. The nation anticipates an economic growth surge to between 6.5% and 7% in 2026, largely driven by the scheduled commencement of commercial oil production. Michael Atingi-Ego, the Governor of the Bank of Uganda, has emphasized that the effective management of these oil revenues will be crucial for developing the country’s human capital and infrastructure.