81-Year-Old Ugandan President Wins 7th Term

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni secured a seventh term in office following an election that was characterized by violence and an internet shutdown.

Observers from Africa reported that incidents of arrests and abductions created an atmosphere of fear among the populace.

Museveni, who is 81 years old, received 71.65 percent of the votes during the election held on Thursday, as announced by the Electoral Commission.

The election period saw at least 10 fatalities and instances of intimidation directed at opposition members and civil society organizations.

With this victory, Museveni will continue his leadership of Uganda, extending his rule to 40 years. He faced off against Bobi Wine, a 43-year-old former musician who transitioned into politics, securing 24.72 percent of the vote.

After a recent raid by security forces on his home, Wine reported that he was in hiding. His political career has been marked by significant challenges, including multiple arrests leading up to his initial presidential campaign in 2021.

He stated his “complete rejection of the fake results” and said he was on the run after the raid on his home on Friday night.

“I want to confirm that I managed to escape from them,” Wine posted on X on Saturday. Currently, I am not at home, although my wife and other family members remain under house arrest.

“I know that these criminals are looking for me everywhere and I am trying my best to keep safe,” he added.

There was a heavy police presence around the capital, Kampala, AFP journalists saw, as security forces sought to prevent the sort of protests that have hit neighbouring Kenya and Tanzania in recent months.