Uganda’s electoral commission has declared President Yoweri Museveni the winner of the 2026 presidential election, prolonging his rule that began in 1986.
Announcing the results, Electoral Commission chairperson Simon Byabakama said the 81-year-old incumbent secured more than 7.9 million votes—the highest tally among all candidates—and surpassed the constitutional requirement by winning over 50 per cent of valid votes cast.
“Having obtained the highest number of votes in the election and more than half of the total valid votes, the Commission hereby declares Candidate Yoweri Museveni as the winner,” Byabakama said.
The closely watched poll was conducted amid an internet shutdown and restrictions on civil society activities. Official figures show that about 11.4 million voters took part in Thursday’s election, representing a turnout of 52.5 per cent of registered voters.
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