Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni has secured his seventh term in office after winning more than 70% of the vote, state election authorities have confirmed. However, opposition candidate Bobi Wine has castigated the outcome, claiming that the results were "fake" and alleging widespread electoral irregularities.
Wine, a young musician, took to social media to express his outrage, stating that polling staff were kidnapped, and biometric voter ID machines failed to function properly, causing delays in voting. He also accused Museveni's security forces of raiding his home on Friday, forcing him to flee for his safety.
The opposition leader alleged that security forces had switched off power at his residence, cutting off CCTV cameras, and even claimed that he was taken from his home by an army helicopter. Wine also expressed fears for the safety of himself and his supporters, donning a flak jacket and helmet as they attempted to reach the polling stations.
In contrast, Ugandan police have stated that Wine had not been arrested, but that they were restricting the area to prevent unrest. Despite this, protests erupted in central Uganda, resulting in seven deaths and three injuries after police fired in self-defence against opposition "goons".
The authorities have faced criticism from human rights groups, including Freedom House, which has termed Uganda as "not free" due to its questionable election processes. Museveni has been president for 40 years, making him the third-longest-serving non-royal national leader in the world.
Wine's claims of electoral irregularities, including alleged favouritism towards Museveni's party and "massive ballot stuffing", have raised concerns about the legitimacy of the outcome. The election has also highlighted Uganda's history of instability, with the country having not experienced a peaceful transition of power since gaining independence from British colonial rule six decades ago.
Museveni's grip on power is largely due to the fact that he has rewritten Uganda's laws to ensure his continued presidency, including removing term and age limits from the constitution. He has also jailed opposition opponents, solidifying his position as one of Africa's most enduring leaders.
Wine, a young musician, took to social media to express his outrage, stating that polling staff were kidnapped, and biometric voter ID machines failed to function properly, causing delays in voting. He also accused Museveni's security forces of raiding his home on Friday, forcing him to flee for his safety.
The opposition leader alleged that security forces had switched off power at his residence, cutting off CCTV cameras, and even claimed that he was taken from his home by an army helicopter. Wine also expressed fears for the safety of himself and his supporters, donning a flak jacket and helmet as they attempted to reach the polling stations.
In contrast, Ugandan police have stated that Wine had not been arrested, but that they were restricting the area to prevent unrest. Despite this, protests erupted in central Uganda, resulting in seven deaths and three injuries after police fired in self-defence against opposition "goons".
The authorities have faced criticism from human rights groups, including Freedom House, which has termed Uganda as "not free" due to its questionable election processes. Museveni has been president for 40 years, making him the third-longest-serving non-royal national leader in the world.
Wine's claims of electoral irregularities, including alleged favouritism towards Museveni's party and "massive ballot stuffing", have raised concerns about the legitimacy of the outcome. The election has also highlighted Uganda's history of instability, with the country having not experienced a peaceful transition of power since gaining independence from British colonial rule six decades ago.
Museveni's grip on power is largely due to the fact that he has rewritten Uganda's laws to ensure his continued presidency, including removing term and age limits from the constitution. He has also jailed opposition opponents, solidifying his position as one of Africa's most enduring leaders.
Museveni just won again after 40 years in power, and it's like everyone's losing their minds! Bobi Wine is all upset about the results, claiming it was rigged...and honestly, I think he might have a point? Those biometric voter ID machines failing left and right is crazy 
. And what's with Museveni's security forces raiding his home? Like, chill down, man 
.
. It's time for some change, you know?
I mean, can't say I'm surprised by this outcome... it's not like Uganda hasn't had a history of issues with free and fair elections 
. I mean, who needs biometric voter ID machines when you can just have a bunch of power-hungry folks making up numbers on the fly? 
It's not like Uganda's got a reputation for corruption or anything... 
. Guess that's why they call him the "Lord of All Time" or whatever 
. And I mean, who needs term limits when you've got a solid grip on the country? 
. It's good that Ugandan police are restricting areas to prevent unrest, but the fact that 7 people lost their lives is just heartbreaking 
. As much as I'm a fan of fair elections, it seems like Museveni has done everything in his power to stay in office... rewriting laws and locking up opposition leaders doesn't exactly inspire confidence 
this whole election thing just feels so fake. like, Museveni's got a 40 year grip on power and no one can touch him? it's like he's above the law or something. and now Wine is claiming all these crazy things about electoral irregularities... but at the same time, I don't know if I entirely trust Wine either 
. can we ever have a peaceful transfer of power in Uganda?
I mean, 7 terms in office is a big deal! Museveni must be doing something right 
. And can you believe Bobi Wine's bravery? He's not backing down despite the odds 
. I'm worried about his safety though, all that drama with the power being cut off and him getting taken away by an army helicopter 
.
. 7 deaths is too many 
. I just hope the international community keeps putting pressure on Museveni to reform and make Uganda a more open country 
. Freedom House calling it "not free" is a wake-up call 
. Museveni's been in power for 40 years and it's crazy how he's managed to maintain control by changing the laws to suit himself 
. I mean, seven deaths at polling stations is just insane 
. We need to hold leaders accountable for their actions and make sure elections are free and fair 
. This whole situation just reeks of authoritarianism 
.
.
and i'm like totally worried for bobi wine's safety since those security forces went after him 
. Museveni's got 40 years under his belt and he's still finding ways to cling to power 
. It's not exactly democratic, if you ask me 
Newsflash: it's not that hard to hack into some biometric voter ID machines or bribe a few officials. Get over yourself.
He's got a lot of connections and he's not afraid to use them.
what kind of justice system allows that?