Amanze Chinonye
Uganda’s Electoral Commission has announced preliminary results from the country’s presidential election, showing President Yoweri Museveni with a commanding lead as vote collation continues nationwide, Prime Business Africa reports.
According to figures released by the commission, Museveni has secured about 76 per cent of the votes counted so far, while his closest challenger, opposition leader Bobi Wine, has garnered roughly 20 per cent. The results are based on ballots processed from a majority of polling centres, though the commission stressed that the figures remain preliminary.
Museveni, 81, has been in power since 1986 and is seeking a seventh term in office, extending his status as one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders. His prolonged rule has been enabled by constitutional amendments that removed presidential term limits and age restrictions.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelREAD ALSO : Uganda Polls: Bobi Says Optimistic of Winning Amid Alleged Violence
Uganda Opposition Voice Concerns as Internet Blackout Deepens Tensions
The election was held amid heavy security presence, particularly in Kampala and other urban centres, with reports of delayed voting in some areas due to logistical challenges, including late arrival of materials and technical issues with voter verification machines.
The vote was also preceded by a nationwide internet shutdown, ordered by authorities who said the measure was necessary to prevent misinformation and preserve public order. The decision drew criticism from civil society groups and international observers, who argued that it hampered transparency and independent monitoring of the process.
Bobi Wine, a former pop star turned politician and leader of the National Unity Platform, has rejected the credibility of the election, alleging widespread irregularities such as ballot stuffing, intimidation of voters, and arrests of opposition agents. His party claimed that several of its officials were detained or prevented from accessing tallying centres during the vote count.
International media also reported that Wine was under what his supporters described as effective house arrest as results began to emerge, though Ugandan authorities have not formally confirmed the claim.
The Electoral Commission has urged calm, saying collation is ongoing and final results will be announced once all votes are fully tallied and verified. Previous elections in Uganda have often been followed by legal challenges and protests, raising concerns about possible post-election tensions if opposition parties reject the final outcome.
Final certified results are expected in the coming days.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
