Uganda’s Museveni wins 7th term amid violence, arrests and internet blackout
By Yahaya Idris
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, 81, clinched a seventh term in office Saturday, extending his 40-year grip on power after an election marred by deadly violence, opposition arrests and a nationwide internet shutdown, according to official results.
The Electoral Commission announced Museveni captured 71.65% of the vote in Thursday’s poll, while his main rival, opposition leader Bobi Wine, received 24.72%.
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It’s Museveni’s latest victory since seizing power in 1986, a reign twice extended by constitutional changes that scrapped age and term limits. The vote was plunged into chaos from the start.
Reports poured in of intimidation against opposition supporters, journalists and civil society groups. African election observers condemned arrests and abductions that “instilled fear” among voters. With monitors tallied at least 10 deaths tied to election-related clashes.
Heavy security deployments blanketed the country, and authorities cut internet access nationwide, crippling communication and information flow during and after polls.
Bobi Wine, the 43-year-old former pop star turned firebrand politician, swiftly rejected the results.
Speaking Saturday from hiding after security forces raided his home, he accused the government of “widespread electoral malpractice.”
However, Authorities denied the claims. Critics say Museveni’s win deepens concerns over democratic erosion and human rights abuses in the East African nation.
