Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni, after securing a seventh term in office, characterized his political opponents as terrorists who allegedly attempted to disrupt the election results through violence. Museveni, 81, won the election with 72% of the vote, according to official results announced Sunday.
The election has drawn criticism from African election observers and human rights organizations, citing the suppression of opposition activities and a nationwide internet blackout. The whereabouts of opposition leader Bobi Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi, remained unclear after he claimed to have evaded a police raid on his residence Saturday and gone into hiding. Wine garnered 25% of the vote.
Police officials denied conducting a raid on Wine's home, asserting that he was still at the residence, while simultaneously preventing journalists from accessing the area. The government implemented an internet shutdown days before the election, a move that critics argued was intended to stifle the opposition's ability to communicate and organize.
Museveni has been in power since 1986. His administration has defended its actions, stating that they were necessary to maintain order and prevent violence during the election period. The government has also accused Wine of inciting violence and attempting to destabilize the country.
The election took place amid heightened tensions and a crackdown on opposition figures. Wine, a popular musician-turned-politician, has emerged as a significant challenger to Museveni's long-standing rule, particularly among younger voters. The United States and the European Union have expressed concerns about the fairness and transparency of the election, calling for investigations into reported irregularities. The African Union deployed an observer mission to monitor the election. Their preliminary report acknowledged some irregularities but deemed the election generally peaceful. The situation remains tense, with potential for further protests and legal challenges to the election results.
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