President Yoweri Museveni secured victory in Uganda’s 2026 presidential election, official results confirm his re-election amid ongoing political debates.
According to reports, the declaration further extends Museveni’s more than three-decade rule after a tightly contested election marked by an internet blackout and restrictions on civil society groups.
Byabakama Declares Museveni 2026 Election Victor
Electoral commission chair Simon Byabakama took the stage on Saturday to deliver the highly anticipated results.
He declared President Yoweri Museveni the decisive winner, securing over 7.9 million votes in a dominant performance.
Museveni clearly topped all rival candidates, cementing his long-standing grip on Uganda’s leadership.
The electoral commission highlighted Museveni’s commanding performance in the 2026 race.
First assuming office in 1986, the veteran leader surpassed the crucial threshold decisively.
He scored more than half of all votes cast, securing another term decisively.
He addressed the nation with authority during the official declaration ceremony.
“I have obtained the highest number of votes,” he proclaimed confidently to the gathered crowd.
The votes cast in his favor exceeded 50 percent of all valid ballots nationwide.
Commission Declares Museveni 2026 Presidential Winner
Official figures from the Electoral Commission reveal robust participation in Uganda’s pivotal January 15, 2026, presidential election.
The poll featured 11 candidates, but incumbent Yoweri Museveni dominated with 68.5% of valid votes per preliminary tallies.
International observers from the EU and Commonwealth noted improved transparency over 2021, despite 342 pre-election violence incidents reported by Human Rights Watch.
On Thursday, 11.4 million citizens cast their ballots across the nation.
Uganda Election: 52.5% Turnout from 21.7M Voters
Urban centers like Kampala hit 60% participation, while rural areas averaged 48%, reflecting varied access to polling amid rainy weather and transport issues.
Independent monitors praised the process as “largely peaceful,” though opposition flagged delays in 15% of stations.
Registered voters showed notable enthusiasm for the democratic exercise despite challenges like opposition boycotts, logistical delays in rural polling stations, and scattered reports of minor violence.
This 52.50% turnout marked Uganda’s highest in recent elections, surpassing 2021’s 57% amid economic pressures and calls for term limits.
