KAMPALA Uganda—Jan 17, 2026—Uganda Electoral Commission (UEC) has officially declared President Yoweri Museveni the winner of the January 15, 2026 presidential election, extending his rule into a seventh term in office.
The announcement was made on Saturday by the Commission amid a charged political atmosphere and allegations of irregularities.
According to official results released by the Electoral Commission, the 81‑year‑old incumbent received about 71.6% of the valid votes, while his main challenger, Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, garnered approximately 24.7%.
The election was held under heightened tensions, with a nationwide internet blackout on election day and reports of technical problems with biometric voter machines, especially in urban centres — factors critics say undermined transparency of the process.
Bobi Wine, a former pop star turned politician and leader of the National Unity Platform (NUP), has rejected the declared outcome, alleging widespread fraud, ballot stuffing and suppression of opposition polling agents.
He called the official results “fake” and urged his supporters to peacefully reject the outcome, though he described his own location and safety inconsistently as police denied his arrest while saying his residence was under controlled access by security forces.
Museveni first came to power in 1986 after leading a guerrilla movement that toppled the previous government.
Over four decades, he has remained the dominant political figure in Uganda, overseeing constitutional changes that removed presidential term and age limits, enabling his long tenure.
International and domestic observers, including rights groups, have expressed concern over reports of repression, intimidation and restrictions on communication during the election period.
The United Nations and civil society actors noted “widespread repression and intimidation” in the lead‑up to voting.
The 2026 election results reaffirm Museveni’s extended leadership in Uganda, but opposition dissent and allegations of irregularities are likely to shape both domestic and international responses to his new term.
