Credit: U.S. Department of State, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Uganda’s Electoral Commission has declared President Yoweri Museveni, 81, the winner of the country’s 2026 presidential election, extending his grip on power to nearly 40 years since first assuming office in 1986.
The announcement was made on Saturday by the chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Simon Byabakama, following the conclusion of vote collation from across the country.
According to official results, President Museveni secured over 7.9 million votes, the highest among all candidates who contested the election.
Byabakama said the long-serving leader surpassed the constitutional requirement for victory by polling more than 50 per cent of the total valid votes cast.
“Having obtained the highest number of votes in the election and the votes cast in his favour being more than 50 per cent of the total valid votes cast at the election, the Commission hereby declares Candidate Yoweri Kaguta Museveni as the winner of the election,” he stated.
The commission disclosed that approximately 11.4 million Ugandans participated in Thursday’s poll, representing a voter turnout of 52.5 per cent of registered voters.
The election was closely watched both locally and internationally and was conducted amid reports of an internet blackout, heightened security presence, and restrictions on civil society organisations and opposition activities.
Critics and rights groups have raised concerns about the overall electoral environment, citing limitations on free expression and access to information during the voting period.
Museveni, who has ruled Uganda for nearly four decades, has repeatedly defended his continued leadership, arguing that his experience is essential for stability and economic development.
However, opposition figures and activists have long accused his administration of suppressing dissent and weakening democratic institutions.
With the latest victory, Museveni is set to begin another term in office, further cementing his status as one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders.
Attention is now expected to shift to possible legal challenges from opposition parties and reactions from regional and international observers.
