Uganda’s Museveni Leads in Controversial Election Amidst Shutdown and Charges. Kampala, Uganda — January 17, 2026 Lead Paragraph Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni has taken an early lead in the country’s presidential election, which has been overshadowed by an internet shutdown, voting delays, and allegations of electoral irregularities. With provisional results from over half of the polling stations, Museveni appears to have garnered over 75% of the vote, while his main opponent, Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, also known as Bobi Wine, has around 20%, according to the national electoral commission.
Body. Museveni, who has governed Uganda for 40 years, is seeking to extend his rule into a fifth decade.
The election has been marked by tensions, with the opposition leader, Wine, claiming that his polling agents were abducted in rural areas before voting commenced, thereby undermining his campaign efforts to prevent electoral offenses such as ballot stuffing.
The situation has been further complicated by the government’s decision to shut down the internet, which critics argue was done to suppress information and mobilization efforts by the opposition.
The security forces have been a constant presence throughout the election campaign, with Wine and his supporters reporting harassment and the use of tear gas. Several incidents of violence have been reported, including a deadly clash in central Uganda involving supporters of two parliamentary candidates.
Local sources indicate that more than 20 opposition supporters were arrested.
The 81-year-old Museveni, who has served the third-longest tenure of any African leader, has become increasingly reliant on the military for his authority, with his son, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, leading the military. Ending.
The situation in Uganda remains tense as provisional results are being tallied. Further details and reactions from the government and the opposition are expected in the coming days. Source Museveni leads in tense election marred by internet shutdown and voting interference — Africanews.
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*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
