81-year-old Yoweri Museveni, who has led Uganda since 1986, has been re-elected president once again. According to the official results of the vote held on January 15, 2026, the incumbent received 72% of the vote. His main challenger, musician and opposition politician Bobi Wine, received 25%.
The final results were announced on January 17. After that, Wine alleged fraud and called on supporters to protest peacefully. According to him, 21 people were killed in clashes between civilians and police during the election period. The authorities acknowledge seven deaths.
The opposition also pointed to irregularities during voting. In particular, its representatives had demanded the use of biometric identification devices, but the equipment reportedly failed repeatedly. This caused delays mainly in cities considered opposition strongholds. After the breakdowns, officials switched to voting using paper lists, which Museveni’s opponents said opened the door to possible manipulation.
Since Tuesday, internet access in Uganda had been shut down. Around the same time, reports circulated that Bobi Wine might have been seized by the military. It later emerged that the opposition leader remained free, although security forces did raid his home.
Museveni came to power after years of armed confrontation and did not hold his first elections until 1996. Under current law, he may run for office an unlimited number of times. During his rule, Uganda has maintained relatively solid economic growth, but it remains marked by high corruption and a low standard of living.
Observers from the African Union recognized the election. This was Bobi Wine’s second presidential campaign against Museveni: in the 2021 election, he won 34% of the vote, while the incumbent received 58%. That campaign was also accompanied by social media restrictions and opposition complaints of pressure and fraud.