SUNTV Global Channel | January 17, 2026 | Kampala
Uganda’s Electoral Commission has declared President Yoweri Museveni the winner of the country’s highly disputed presidential election, extending his grip on power to nearly four decades amid widespread reports of violence, killings, and alleged electoral fraud.
The commission announced on Saturday that Museveni, 81, secured a seventh term in office after polling 71.65 percent of the total votes cast, according to reports monitored by SUNTV Global Channel. His closest challenger, opposition figure Bobi Wine—real name Robert Kyagulanyi—was credited with 24.72 percent.
Museveni has ruled Uganda since 1986, when he seized power after a five-year guerrilla war. His prolonged stay in office has been enabled by major constitutional changes, including the removal of presidential term limits in 2005 and the scrapping of age limits in 2017, reforms that cleared the path for him to contest elections indefinitely.
The latest poll was conducted under intense national tension, with heavy deployment of security forces, an internet shutdown, and repeated clashes between authorities and opposition supporters.
Throughout the campaign and voting period, rights groups and observers reported killings linked to election-related unrest, arrests of opposition figures, and intimidation of voters. These developments sparked condemnation both within Uganda and internationally.
Opposition leader Bobi Wine has flatly rejected the election outcome, describing it as a “sham” orchestrated through military interference and widespread fraud.
In a statement released on Saturday, Wine recounted a dramatic overnight raid on his home in Magere, saying security forces stormed the premises, cut electricity, disabled surveillance cameras, and deployed helicopters overhead.
“Last night was very difficult at our home in Magere. The military and police raided us. They switched off power and cut off some of our CCTV cameras. There were helicopters hovering over,” he said.
Wine confirmed that he narrowly escaped arrest but disclosed that his wife and other family members remain under detention.
“I managed to escape from them. I am not at home, although my wife and other family members remain under house arrest. These criminals are looking for me everywhere, and I am trying my best to keep safe,” he added.
Addressing confusion over his whereabouts, Wine blamed a nationwide internet shutdown, saying it fueled misinformation and panic.
“Given the commotion at our house and the fact that no one was allowed access, neighbours concluded that we had been abducted and spread the news,” he explained.
The opposition leader strongly rejected the results announced by the Electoral Commission chairman, accusing authorities of ballot stuffing, militarisation of the electoral process, and the detention of opposition polling agents.
“We reiterate our COMPLETE REJECTION of these fake results. In addition to ballot stuffing and military takeover of the election, their figures have zero backing,” Wine declared.
He also condemned the killing of civilians who attempted to protest peacefully.
“We condemn the murder of numerous citizens who have tried to demonstrate against this broad daylight thuggery,” he said.
Wine insisted that Ugandans have a constitutional right to protest and accused the government of deliberately targeting opposition candidates, even in constituencies where his party allegedly won convincingly.
“This is absolute madness. NUP candidates are being targeted even when there is clear evidence that they won,” he stated.
Ending his statement on a defiant note, Wine vowed continued resistance.
“The people of Uganda have the right to determine their future. The PEOPLE OF UGANDA WILL ULTIMATELY WIN.”
As Museveni prepares to begin yet another term in office, the credibility of Uganda’s electoral process and the country’s democratic future remain under intense scrutiny.
SUNTV Global Channel will continue to monitor developments and reactions surrounding the controversial election.
