Uganda’s Electoral Commission has declared President Yoweri Museveni the winner of the 2026 presidential election, extending his rule of the East African nation to more than four decades.
The announcement was made by the commission’s chairperson, Simon Byabakama, who said Museveni secured over 7.9 million votes, the highest number recorded among all contestants in the tightly contested poll.
According to the commission, the veteran leader surpassed the constitutional requirement by polling more than 50 per cent of the total valid votes cast nationwide, thereby clinching victory outright.
Museveni, 81, first came to power in 1986 after a guerrilla war and has since remained at the helm of Uganda’s political leadership.
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His latest victory comes amid widespread debate over governance, democratic space, and the prolonged tenure of Africa’s longest-serving leaders.
The election was conducted under tense conditions, with reports of restrictions on civil society organisations and an internet shutdown during the voting period, moves that drew criticism from opposition figures and rights groups.
Official results showed that about 11.4 million Ugandans participated in the election, representing a voter turnout of approximately 52.5 per cent of registered voters.
While the Electoral Commission has affirmed the credibility of the process, opposition parties are expected to contest the outcome, alleging irregularities and demanding greater transparency in the electoral system.