Uganda’s Museveni wins re-election to extend 40-year rule
Veteran President Yoweri Museveni was declared the landslide winner of Uganda’s presidential election on Saturday, extending his rule into a fifth decade after a contest marred by violent incidents and allegations of fraud.
The result hands the 81-year-old Museveni the decisive victory he sought to bolster his political position as speculation mounts about his eventual succession.
The Reuters Daily Briefing newsletter provides all the news you need to start your day. Sign up here.
Uganda’s electoral commission said at a ceremony in the capital Kampala on Saturday that Museveni had received just under 72% of the vote. His main challenger, the pop singer-turned-politician Bobi Wine, was credited with 24%.
Bobi Wine, a singer-turned-politician whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi, had claimed on social media on Election Day that “massive ballot stuffing” was also taking place.
Bobi Wine said earlier on Saturday that he had escaped a police and army raid on his house.
“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 said.
Museveni, who has been in power since 1986, has been accused of overseeing a years-long crackdown on his political opponents.
