Uganda declares Museveni winner of presidential poll
Uganda has officially confirmed President Yoweri Museveni as the winner of the 2026 presidential election, extending his more than three-decade rule after a closely contested vote.
The declaration cements Museveni’s hold on power following an election conducted amid an internet blackout and restrictions on civil society groups.
Electoral commission announces result
The announcement was made by the chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Simon Byabakama, who said Museveni secured over 7.9 million votes, the highest among all candidates.
According to the commission, the president crossed the constitutional threshold by winning more than half of the total valid votes cast.
Commission cites constitutional requirement
“Having obtained the highest number of votes in the election and the votes cast in his favour being more than 50 per cent of the total valid votes cast at the election, the Commission hereby declares Candidate Yoweri Museveni as the winner of the election,” Byabakama said.
Turnout details
Official figures show that 11.4 million Ugandans participated in Thursday’s election, representing a turnout of 52.50 per cent of registered voters.
Museveni, who first came to power in 1986, will now continue in office following the commission’s declaration.
