Key Takeaways
- Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni has been re-elected to a seventh term with 71.65% of the vote
- Museveni’s main challenger, Bobi Wine, received 24.72% of the vote
- The election campaign was marred by "widespread repression and intimidation" and a nationwide internet blackout
- Election observers reported "intimidation, arrests, and abductions" targeting the opposition and civil society
- Museveni has been in power since 1986 and has been accused of overseeing a years-long crackdown on his political opponents
Introduction to the Election Results
The Ugandan electoral commission has announced that President Yoweri Museveni has been re-elected to a seventh term, securing 71.65% of the vote. Museveni, 81, has been in power since 1986 and has been accused of overseeing a years-long crackdown on his political opponents. His main challenger, 43-year-old Bobi Wine, received 24.72% of the vote, according to the official results. The election campaign was marked by controversy, with the United Nations stating that it was marred by "widespread repression and intimidation", including a crackdown on opposition rallies.
The Election Campaign and Controversies
The election campaign was marked by a nationwide internet blackout, which drew widespread criticism. Bobi Wine, a singer-turned-politician, claimed on social media on Election Day that "massive ballot stuffing" was taking place. He also reported that he had escaped a police and army raid on his house, and that his wife and other family members were under house arrest. Museveni, on the other hand, had expressed confidence in his victory, stating that he expected to win re-election with about 80% support. The election observers, however, reported no evidence of ballot stuffing but denounced "reports of intimidation, arrest and abductions" targeting the opposition and civil society.
Election Observers’ Reports and Criticisms
Election observers from the African Union and other regional bodies reported that the internet shutdown "disrupted effective observation" of the vote and "increased suspicion". They also stated that the overall conduct of the polls on Election Day was "peaceful", but that the pre-election period was marked by "intimidation, arrests, and abductions". The observers’ reports highlighted the need for transparency and accountability in the electoral process. The Ugandan opposition also reported that at least 10 people were killed by police in an attack on a local opposition lawmaker’s home, although local authorities put the death toll at seven.
Museveni’s Victory and Its Implications
Museveni’s victory was widely expected, given his control over the state and security apparatus. He has changed the constitution twice to remove age and term limits, and his ruling party, the National Resistance Movement, has a commanding lead in parliamentary seats. The provisional results show that Museveni’s party is likely to maintain its dominance in the parliament. However, the opposition has raised concerns about the legitimacy of the election, citing the widespread repression and intimidation during the campaign. The international community will be watching closely to see how Museveni’s government responds to these concerns and whether it will take steps to address the human rights abuses and electoral irregularities reported during the campaign.
The Future of Uganda’s Democracy
The election results have significant implications for Uganda’s democracy and the future of the country. Museveni’s continued rule has raised concerns about the country’s democratic trajectory and the potential for further repression and human rights abuses. The opposition, led by Bobi Wine, has vowed to continue fighting for democratic change and to challenge the election results. The international community, including the United Nations and regional bodies, will need to play a crucial role in promoting democracy and human rights in Uganda. The country’s future depends on the ability of its leaders to promote transparency, accountability, and respect for human rights, and to ensure that the voices of all Ugandans are heard and represented.