81-year-old Museveni wins Uganda election, prolongs 40-year reign

 

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Uganda’s long-serving leader, President Yoweri Museveni, has been officially declared the winner of the 2026 presidential election, extending his rule to nearly four decades and reinforcing his grip on power in the East African nation. 

The announcement, made on Saturday by the chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Simon Byabakama, confirms that the 81-year-old secured victory in an election that has drawn both domestic and international attention.

According to the Electoral Commission, Museveni polled over 7.9 million votes, the highest among all candidates who contested the election. 

The commission stated that the veteran politician surpassed the constitutional requirement by obtaining more than 50 percent of the total valid votes cast nationwide. 

In a formal declaration, Byabakama announced that Museveni had duly met all legal conditions and was therefore declared the winner of the presidential race.

Official figures released by the commission showed that about 11.4 million Ugandans participated in Thursday’s poll, translating to a voter turnout of 52.50 percent of registered voters. 

While the commission described the exercise as largely peaceful, the election period was marked by controversy, including a nationwide internet blackout and tight restrictions placed on civil society organisations and election observers.

Museveni, who first came to power in 1986 after leading a guerrilla war, has remained one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders. Over the years, constitutional amendments, including the removal of presidential age limits, have enabled him to continue seeking re-election.

 His victory in the 2026 poll further extends his leadership beyond 40 years, a development that has sparked mixed reactions across the country.

Supporters of the president have hailed the result as a reflection of continuity and stability, arguing that Museveni’s experience remains vital for Uganda’s security and economic development. 

They credit his administration with infrastructural growth, regional influence, and relative political stability compared to earlier decades.

However, opposition figures and rights groups have raised concerns over the credibility of the election. Critics point to the internet shutdown, arrests of opposition supporters, and limitations on media coverage as factors that may have affected transparency and voter participation. 

Some opposition parties have already indicated they may challenge the outcome in court, alleging irregularities in the conduct of the polls.

International observers are also closely monitoring developments, with calls for calm and respect for democratic processes. The coming days are expected to be crucial as reactions continue to pour in from within Uganda and the wider global community.

With his re-election confirmed, Museveni is set to begin another term in office, once again shaping Uganda’s political direction amid growing debates about leadership succession, governance reforms, and the future of democracy in the country.

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