Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni secured a seventh term in office, according to official results released Jan. 17, 2026, extending his rule to four decades. The electoral commission stated that Museveni won nearly 72% of the vote.

Opposition candidate Bobi Wine, however, rejected the results, alleging widespread fraud and irregularities. Wine described the announced outcome as "fake" and urged his supporters to engage in non-violent street protests. "The people of Uganda have been robbed," Wine stated in a press conference following the announcement.

Museveni, who came to power in 1986, has overseen a period of relative stability and economic growth in Uganda, but his government has also been criticized for its human rights record and suppression of dissent. The election took place amid heightened security measures, including an internet shutdown that lasted for several days leading up to and following the vote. The government cited security concerns as the reason for the shutdown, but critics argued it was intended to stifle opposition and prevent the dissemination of information about alleged election irregularities.

The use of artificial intelligence in election monitoring and analysis has become increasingly prevalent in recent years. AI algorithms can be used to detect anomalies in voting patterns, identify potential instances of voter suppression, and analyze social media sentiment to gauge public opinion. However, the effectiveness and impartiality of these AI systems are subject to debate. Concerns exist about algorithmic bias, data privacy, and the potential for manipulation. In Uganda, several organizations attempted to use AI to monitor the election, but their efforts were hampered by the internet shutdown and restrictions on access to information.

The implications of AI in elections extend beyond simply identifying irregularities. AI can also be used to personalize political messaging, target voters with specific information, and even generate synthetic media, such as deepfakes, to influence public opinion. This raises ethical questions about the role of AI in shaping democratic processes and the need for regulations to ensure transparency and accountability. The latest developments in AI-powered election monitoring include the use of blockchain technology to create tamper-proof voting records and the development of AI models that can detect and flag misinformation and disinformation campaigns.

International observers have expressed concerns about the credibility of the Ugandan election. The European Union, for example, noted irregularities in the electoral process and called for an independent investigation. The African Union also sent an observer mission, but its report has not yet been released.

The current status is that Museveni is preparing for his inauguration, while Wine is considering his legal options. The possibility of widespread protests remains, and the security situation in Uganda is tense. The next developments to watch for include the release of the African Union observer mission's report, any legal challenges filed by Wine, and the government's response to potential protests. The long-term implications of this election for Uganda's political stability and democratic development remain to be seen.