Uganda's Eternal President Wins Elections for the Seventh Time. He Has Ruled the Country Since 1986

Photo: Hajarah Nalwadda/Getty Images

The Ugandan electoral commission reported at a briefing that, based on the vote count from half of the polling stations, Museveni garnered 76.25%, Wine — 19.85%, and the remaining votes were distributed among six other candidates.

Museveni told journalists after voting that he expects to win with 80% of the votes, "if there is no fraud."

Wine called on his supporters to protest on Thursday, however, as Reuters notes, there are currently no signs of demonstrations.

Wine's party, the 'National Unity Platform', wrote late Thursday evening on X that the military and police had surrounded their leader's home in the capital, Kampala, effectively placing him and his wife under house arrest.

Security forces reportedly jumped over the fence and set up tents on his property.

Police spokesperson Kitumwa Rusoke told Reuters he had no knowledge of Wine being placed under house arrest.

Museveni, who is now 81, came to power as a result of a military coup in 1986.

The country's official media portray him as the liberator of the Ugandan people and a peacemaker, while he himself calls himself a guarantor of stability. Critics say he has built a cult of personality, surrounds himself with loyal people, and intimidates political opponents.

Due to his advanced age, there are discussions about who might become his successor.

It is believed that he would like to see his son, army chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba, as his successor, although Museveni himself denies preparing him for this role. Bobi Wine (real name Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu) is a well-known musician in the country, performing reggae music.

Supporters call him the 'Ghetto President': he grew up in the infamous slums of Kampala, where he created his music studio, which became known worldwide. His party, the National Unity Platform, advocates for expanding public access to healthcare, education, clean water, and fair trials.

Wine states that he enjoys the support of the youth in a country with the youngest population in the world: the average age of Ugandans is 16.

The situation strongly resembles that of five years ago when the last elections were held. The president's main opponent was also Bobi Wine, who, according to official data, received about 35% of the votes, while Museveni garnered 59%.

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