Uganda has officially declared President Yoweri Museveni as the winner of the 2026 presidential election, further extending his rule that began in 1986 and cementing his status as one of Africa’s longest serving leaders.
The announcement was made by the chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Simon Byabakama, after the conclusion of a tightly contested election that was marked by an internet blackout, heightened security presence, and restrictions placed on civil society organisations and election observers.
According to official results released by the commission, President Museveni secured more than 7.9 million votes, the highest number recorded among all candidates who participated in the election. The commission stated that the incumbent comfortably surpassed the constitutional requirement by obtaining more than half of the total valid votes cast nationwide.
“Having obtained the highest number of votes in the election, and the votes cast in his favour being more than 50 per cent of the total valid votes cast at the election, the Commission hereby declares Candidate Yoweri Museveni as the winner of the election,” Mr Byabakama said while formally announcing the outcome.
Official figures further showed that approximately 11.4 million Ugandans took part in Thursday’s vote, representing a voter turnout of 52.50 per cent of registered voters. Electoral officials described the turnout as moderate amid reports of logistical challenges and limited access to online communication during voting and result collation.
President Museveni, who is 81 years old, has now extended his time in office to more than four decades. His continued leadership has drawn mixed reactions within Uganda, with supporters praising his role in maintaining stability, while critics argue that prolonged rule has weakened democratic institutions.
The election outcome has already sparked debate among opposition figures, civil society groups, and international observers, many of whom have raised concerns about transparency, political freedoms, and the overall conduct of the electoral process.
As Uganda prepares for another term under Museveni’s leadership, attention is expected to shift toward possible legal challenges, opposition responses, and how the government will address calls for political reform and national unity in the aftermath of the election.
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