Uganda: supporters rally following presidential victory

Supporters of Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni were seen celebrating in the streets of Kampala on January 17th, soon after he was declared the winner of a seventh term in office, as reported by Africanews via AP.

According to the official tally, Museveni secured more than 71.6 percent of the vote. His main challenger, Bobi Wine, received 24.7 percent and has claimed that the outcome has been fraudulent.

Voter turnout stood at just 52 percent, the lowest that has been recorded in Uganda since 2006. Election observers said the vote was overshadowed by violence, arrests and abductions that have created an atmosphere of fear.

Despite the clashes, kidnappings and accusations of voting fraud, charity worker Jane Atuku insisted her vote was cast freely: “Why I support President Museveni? I have been able to get education and I’ve got education from UPE schools, that is universal education, up to the end, up to university.”

Eighty‑one‑year‑old Museveni has ruled Uganda since 1986. During his tenure, presidential term and age-limit restrictions have been scrapped, and several of his political rivals have been jailed.

His supporters, however, argue that he has delivered peace and stability after years of conflict. “Since I was born, I have never seen wars in Uganda. He has brought peace in Uganda, he has built houses, for all people, who have become rich. And all women they have peace of work – all of them they are working,” chef Annet Muigyaala said.

Wine has accused authorities of ballot stuffing and security forces of following him throughout the campaign and harassing his supporters, while also firing tear gas at them. Whilst campaigning, Wine was repeatedly seen wearing a flak jacket and helmet for protection, citing persistent threats to his safety.

A four‑day internet shutdown further disrupted the election and widespread failures of biometric voter‑verification machines caused delays at polling stations in several areas, including the capital, Kampala.

Wine, a musician‑turned‑politician, whose real name is Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, now has the option of mounting a legal challenge in the courts.

Previous petitions by opposition candidates have been rejected, although judges have constantly urged the government to implement new electoral reforms.

The widespread malfunction of biometric verification machines is expected to form a central pillar of any legal challenge to the official results.

Africanews via AP, Maghrebi.org