Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has secured a seventh term in office after winning the national election with about 72 percent of the vote, according to the country’s election commission. The 81-year-old leader was officially declared the winner on Saturday in Kampala, defeating his main challenger, pop star-turned-politician Bobi Wine, who received 24 percent. This victory extends Museveni’s rule into its fifth decade.

The election took place amid allegations of violence and vote rigging. Analysts said the result further consolidates Museveni’s political dominance, especially as speculation continues over his eventual successor. Bobi Wine rejected the results, alleging widespread fraud, and called on his supporters to protest. During the vote, the government shut down internet access, citing the need to curb misinformation. Wine later claimed soldiers raided his home and that he fled to avoid arrest, with sources saying he remains in hiding within the country.

Reports of post-election violence emerged across Uganda. Police said they fired in self-defense against opposition “criminals,” killing seven people, though a local lawmaker disputed this, alleging security forces killed at least ten at his residence.

Ugandan opposition presidential candidate Bobi Wine was allegedly taken from his home by the army in a helicopter, according to his party, the National Unity Platform (NUP). The party stated that his current whereabouts remain unknown. The information was shared on social media on Friday, January 16, a day after the country held its presidential election. Internet disruptions following the vote have made it difficult to verify details or obtain reliable updates.

The Ugandan government has not yet issued any official response regarding the allegations. Bobi Wine, a former pop star, is considered the country’s most prominent opposition leader and ran against long-time President Yoweri Museveni in the recent election. An Al Jazeera report cited an NUP official confirming that military and security agents entered Wine’s home, though it remains unconfirmed whether he was taken by helicopter.

After voting concluded, Bobi Wine posted on social media alleging that the number of votes counted exceeded the number of registered voters and urged citizens to remain alert.

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, aged 80, has officially collected nomination papers to run for a seventh term, ignoring growing calls from influential opposition leaders to step down. This move brings him closer to extending his nearly five-decade grip on power. Museveni first seized power as a rebel leader in 1986 and has since won six elections—many of which were marred by allegations of fraud and violence. His main challenger in the upcoming January 2026 election is expected to be popular musician-turned-politician Bobi Wine, who, along with his supporters, continues to face intense repression from state security forces.