Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni, after securing a seventh term in office, characterized his political opponents as terrorists who attempted to disrupt the election 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 repression of the opposition and a nationwide internet blackout.
The whereabouts of opposition leader Bobi Wine, whose legal name is Robert Kyagulanyi, remained unclear following his claim on Saturday that he had evaded a police raid on his residence and was in hiding. Wine secured 25% of the vote. Police officials denied conducting a raid and stated that Wine was at his home, while simultaneously preventing journalists from accessing the property.
Museveni's victory extends his rule to four decades, making him one of Africa's longest-serving leaders. The election took place amidst a backdrop of heightened political tension and restrictions on media access. The government defended the internet shutdown as a measure to prevent the spread of misinformation and maintain order during the electoral process.
Critics argue that the internet blackout and restrictions on opposition campaigning undermined the fairness and transparency of the election. International observers have expressed concerns about the use of state resources to support the incumbent and the heavy-handed tactics employed by security forces.
The United States and the European Union have called for investigations into reports of irregularities and violence during the election period. They have urged the Ugandan government to respect human rights and ensure the safety and security of all citizens. The African Union has dispatched an observer mission to assess the conduct of the election and provide recommendations for future improvements. The current status of Bobi Wine remains a focal point, with international bodies and rights groups calling for his safety and freedom of movement. The Ugandan government has yet to issue a formal statement regarding his situation beyond the initial denial of a police raid.
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