Yoweri Museveni, Uganda's president since 1986, was declared the winner of the January 15, 2026, presidential election on January 17. The Electoral Commission said he received 7,946,772 votes, or 71.65% of the total. His main challenger, Bobi Wine, got 2,741,238 votes, or 24.72%. The vote took place amid reports of violence, internet shutdowns, and claims of fraud from the opposition. Protests broke out in Kampala and other areas after early results showed Museveni ahead.
Background
Museveni first took power in 1986 after years of conflict. He has won every election since, often facing accusations of rigging from opponents. This was his bid for a seventh term at age 81. The election came after a campaign marked by tension. Opposition parties said security forces targeted their rallies with tear gas and beatings. On New Year's Eve 2025, Museveni told security teams to use more tear gas on crowds he called criminal opposition. Internet access shut down on January 13, just before voting, like in past elections.
Bobi Wine, a former musician whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, ran again after coming second in 2021. He denied those results too and took his case to court but dropped it later. His National Unity Platform party joined with others to challenge Museveni. Other candidates included Nandala Mafabi from the Forum for Democratic Change and Mugisha Muntu from the Alliance for National Transformation. Long-time rival Kizza Besigye could not run; he remains in prison on treason charges after security forces took him from Kenya in late 2024.
Uganda's bishops spoke out before the vote. In their Christmas message, they noted rising violence, much of it from security forces including the army. They called on the Electoral Commission to watch the process closely and urged security to keep order without violence.
Key Details
Voting happened on January 15 across the country. Turnout was 52.50% of 21.6 million registered voters, with 11.3 million total votes cast. Early results on January 16 showed Museveni at 76.25% from half the polling stations, Bobi Wine at 19.85%. That day, security put Bobi Wine under house arrest at his home. Supporters gathered to watch results at MP Muwanga Kivumbi's place in Butambala District. Human rights groups said security shot and killed at least ten there. Police said they fired after opposition groups attacked a station with machetes, axes, and matches.
Election Results
The final tally came from the National Tally Center in Kampala. Justice Simon Byabakama, head of the Electoral Commission, announced it on January 17. Here are the top results:
- Yoweri Museveni, National Resistance Movement: 7,946,772 votes (71.65%)
- Bobi Wine, National Unity Platform: 2,741,238 votes (24.72%)
- Nandala Mafabi, Forum for Democratic Change: 209,039 votes (1.88%)
- Mugisha Muntu, Alliance for National Transformation: 59,276 votes (0.53%)
- Others under 1%
Valid votes totaled 11,090,848, with 2.42% invalid or blank. Bobi Wine rejected the numbers right away. He said fraud was widespread. One supporter, Munyagwa Mubarak Sserunga, plans to fight the results in court over issues with biometric voter kits in opposition areas.
Protests flared overnight from January 15 to 16, with at least seven killed. Security raided Bobi Wine's home on January 16, and he fled to an unknown spot. His party said they could not find him. Reports from the tally center noted party agents and observers present as counts came in.
"We have been hearing from his party officials who say that Bobi Wine is missing. They cannot find him." – Al Jazeera reporter at National Tally Center
Violence marked the campaign from the start. Amnesty International called it a brutal time for opposition, with tear gas, pepper spray, and beatings common. A Catholic priest went missing in December and was later held by the army.
What This Means
Museveni's win keeps him in office until at least 2031. It extends his 40-year rule, matching patterns in some African nations where leaders hold power for decades. Opposition sees it as more of the same: elections they call unfair. Bobi Wine's disappearance adds uncertainty. His base, mostly young urban voters, may push more protests despite crackdowns.
The low turnout shows many stayed away, perhaps due to fear or distrust. Internet blackouts limited information flow during key days. Security's role draws scrutiny; their actions killed protesters and stopped rallies. Courts may see challenges, but past ones changed little.
Parliament elections happened the same day. Results there also favor Museveni's National Resistance Movement. Uganda faces economic pressures and youth joblessness, issues opposition highlighted. Museveni's team points to stability under his lead. For now, the country waits to see if calm holds or tensions rise further. Security stays on high alert in Kampala and opposition areas.
