Uganda: Yoweri Museveni Wins 7th Presidential Term. Libreville, Gabon — 17 January 2026 Lead Paragraph Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has been re-elected for a seventh consecutive term, according to preliminary election results announced by the Electoral Commission on Saturday.
The 81-year-old leader, who has been in power since 1986, secured approximately 71.
65% of the vote, well ahead of his main challenger, Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine, who received 24. 72% of the votes.
Museveni’s victory extends his rule for an additional five years, bringing his total tenure to 45 years by the end of the new term in 2031.
The election results, which were declared on Saturday, indicate a significant consolidation of power by the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party in Uganda. Bobi Wine, a popular musician turned politician, has contested the results, labeling the electoral process “non-transparent “and calling for peaceful protests against what he describes as electoral manipulation. Museveni’s long-standing tenure has been marked by both praise for economic development and criticism for alleged authoritarianism.
His re — election is likely to further fuel debates on democracy and governance in the region. Reaction to the election outcome has been mixed. While Museveni’s supporters celebrate the continuation of his leadership, critics express concerns about the state of democracy in Uganda.
The international community has yet to make an official statement on the election results. Further details regarding the election’s aftermath and any potential protests are expected to emerge in the coming days.
The situation remains fluid, and the integrity of the electoral process is a matter of international interest.
