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

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

Museveni, who has been in power since 1986, has overseen periods of economic growth and stability in Uganda, but his tenure has also been marked by accusations of authoritarianism and human rights abuses. Critics point to restrictions on political freedoms, suppression of dissent, and a lack of transparency in government operations.

The election took place amidst a government-imposed internet shutdown, which authorities claimed was necessary to prevent the spread of misinformation. However, opposition leaders and international observers condemned the shutdown as a deliberate attempt to stifle communication and prevent scrutiny of the electoral process. The use of AI in monitoring social media for "misinformation" was also a point of contention, with concerns raised about potential bias in algorithms and the suppression of legitimate political discourse. AI algorithms, while capable of processing vast amounts of data, are trained on datasets that may reflect existing societal biases, leading to skewed results. This raises ethical questions about the deployment of AI in sensitive areas like election monitoring.

The European Union and the United States expressed concerns about the credibility of the election and called for an independent investigation into the allegations of fraud. "We urge all parties to refrain from violence and to pursue any grievances through legal and peaceful means," a spokesperson for the U.S. State Department said in a statement.

The current situation remains tense, with security forces deployed in large numbers in the capital, Kampala, and other major cities. The government has warned against any unlawful protests, and there are concerns about potential clashes between security forces and demonstrators. The next few weeks will be critical in determining the stability of Uganda and the future of its political landscape. International observers are closely monitoring the situation, and diplomatic efforts are underway to encourage dialogue between the government and the opposition.