Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni secured another five-year term after winning Thursday's election with 72% of the vote, according to the election commission, extending his rule to four decades. His closest challenger, Bobi Wine, received 25% of the vote and has condemned the results as "fake" and the process as marred by "ballot stuffing."
Wine, a 43-year-old former pop star, has not provided specific evidence to support his allegations. The authorities have not yet responded to Wine's claims. However, African Union election observers stated they found "no evidence of ballot stuffing." Wine has called for non-violent protests in response to the election outcome.
Museveni, 81, first came to power in 1986 as a rebel leader and has since won seven elections. The election period was marked by violence, with Wine claiming that at least 21 people have been killed across the country in recent days. Authorities have confirmed seven deaths.
Electoral commission head Simon Byabakama, in announcing the results, urged supporters of both Museveni and Wine to embrace unity and accept the outcome of the election.
The BBC reported that Museveni's long tenure has been characterized by both economic progress and concerns about human rights and political freedoms. While Uganda has seen relative stability and growth under Museveni's leadership, critics point to increasing restrictions on opposition activities and freedom of expression.
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