Uganda’s Museveni Leads Election Count as Rival Alleges Fraud

President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda is on track for a seventh term after elections on January 15, 2026. With results from more than half of polling stations counted, he holds about 76% of the vote. His closest rival, Bobi Wine, has around 20%, and Bobi Wine says the process was not fair.

Background

Yoweri Museveni has led Uganda since 1986. He first took power after a civil war and has won every election since. This was his seventh run for president. At 81 years old, he faces questions about his age and long time in office. But his National Resistance Movement party has stayed strong.

The vote took place across Uganda on Thursday. About 21.6 million people could vote at over 50,000 polling stations. Turnout details are still coming in. Before the election, the government cut internet access starting January 13. This happened in 2021 too, during other votes. Many African countries did the same in 2025 for elections or protests.

Bobi Wine, a singer turned politician, is Museveni's main challenger. His real name is Robert Kyagulanyi. He has fought Museveni before, in 2018 and 2021. Wine says the system stops real change. Another old rival, Kizza Besigye, could not run. He is in prison on treason charges after security took him from Kenya in late 2024.

Violence marked the lead-up to the vote. Reports talk of clashes and arrests. Security forces moved hard against opposition groups. Museveni said after voting he expected 80% if no cheating happened.

Key Details

Uganda's Electoral Commission released early numbers on Friday. From 22,758 polling stations, Museveni had 76.2% or about 3.96 million votes. Bobi Wine had 19.8%, around 1.3 million votes. Total valid votes so far: over 5 million. Invalid votes made up 2.4%.

Later updates showed slight changes. With 59% of stations, Museveni at 75.4%. Wikipedia pages tracked 70% reporting with him at 73.7%. Smaller candidates got less than 1% each.

Violence and Restrictions

Right after polls closed, trouble started. Bobi Wine went under house arrest on January 16. Security forces attacked his home and tried to take him. Supporters protested results. At least seven died overnight from January 15 to 16. Fires burned in Kampala streets. Armed police patrolled the capital.

Opposition says voter suppression happened. They point to blocked roads, arrests, and ballot issues. Wine's team cries foul over the quick lead for Museveni.

"The figures were announced by Uganda’s Electoral Commission chairperson, Simon Mugenyi Byabakama." – Commission announcement on preliminary results

Early counts from just 133 stations on election night had Museveni at 61.7%. That grew as more came in. Counting goes on at the commission in Kampala. Full results may take days.

What This Means

If trends hold, Museveni will stay president until at least 2031. This extends his rule to 45 years. Critics say it shows weak checks on power. Uganda's economy struggles with debt and youth joblessness. Many young people back Wine for change.

Protests could grow if Wine keeps disputing. Security is tight in cities. Internet stays off, limiting news spread. Neighbors watch close. East Africa has seen election fights before.

Parliament seats are also up. Museveni's party likely keeps control there too. Wine's National Unity Platform gained ground in 2021 but faces bans now.

For voters, daily life goes on amid tension. Markets reopen slowly. Schools stay shut in some spots. International groups call for calm and fair count. But Uganda handles its own affairs.

The lead gives Museveni room to claim win soon. Wine plans legal steps. Courts have backed rulers before. Street action risks more deaths. Balance stays key as numbers fill in.

Museveni's hold shapes Africa's politics. Long leaders are common in the region. Change comes slow. Youth push back harder each time. This vote tests that pull.