Uganda's Yoweri Museveni Wins Seventh Presidential Term

Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has secured a seventh term as Uganda’s president, winning 71.6 percent of the vote in the election held on 15 January 2026. 

His main opponent, Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine, received 2.7 million votes. Museveni first came to power in 1986 after leading the National Resistance Army in a guerrilla campaign against Milton Obote’s government. His early administration focused on stabilising a country recovering from conflict, rebuilding the economy, and addressing insurgencies, particularly in northern Uganda. 

The 1995 Constitution introduced multiparty democracy and set limits on presidential terms and age, but these provisions were later removed, first with the abolition of term limits in 2005 and then the removal of the age cap in 2017. These changes allowed Museveni to remain in office without constitutional restriction.

Museveni faced his first presidential election in 1996, defeating Paul Kawanga Ssemogerere, and later won contests in 2001, 2006, 2011, and 2016 against Kizza Besigye. Each victory strengthened his hold on power but prompted criticism over electoral fairness. 

The 2021 election saw Bobi Wine gain significant support, particularly among urban voters, though Museveni retained the presidency with 58 percent of the vote amid allegations of irregularities. The 2026 election followed similar patterns. 

Authorities imposed a nationwide internet blackout and restricted the activities of rights groups in the weeks before voting. International observers, including the United Nations, reported cases of intimidation and arbitrary detentions. Museveni defended the blackout as a temporary measure to maintain national security.

Supporters cite Museveni’s long tenure as a period of political stability, economic growth, and regional security engagement. Critics argue that these achievements have come with a reduction in political freedoms and weakened institutions, particularly following the removal of constitutional limits on leadership. Bobi Wine and other opposition figures have contested the election results, asserting that the process was neither free nor fair.

Museveni’s seventh term will extend his rule until 2031, raising questions about political succession and the future of democratic governance in Uganda. Younger Ugandans, who have grown up entirely under his leadership, are increasingly vocal about the need for political change.